The Resident Advocate program is a federally mandated program operated through the Aging & Human Services Division, under the authority of The Maryland Department of Aging Ombudsman Program. A resident advocate or ombudsman is a person whose role is to assist in protecting the rights and promoting the well-being of residents of long term care facilities including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The Resident Advocate Program is provided free of charge and all information provided is strictly confidential.

Long Term Care residents have special legal rights. The Residents Bill of Rights states that all residents have the right to:

• Be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity. Be provided with adequate, appropriate care, treatment, and services, receive a written statement of all costs and services provided by the facility. Receive information and participate in the plan of care or even refuse treatment. Be free from physical, mental, and verbal abuse and unauthorized chemical and physical restraints. Have their privacy respected. Have and use their own personal possessions and to have them secured. Receive a reasonable response to requests. Express grievances without fear of retaliation or discrimination. Receive services with reasonable accommodations to individual needs and preferences.

• Have a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. (COMAR 10.07.09, 4/22/1996)

Therefore the Resident Advocate will provide the following services:

• Investigate unresolved concerns involving the services or the treatment received by the residents.

• Work in cooperation with interested parties to improve the quality of life of residents of long term care facilities.

• Mediate between interested parties concerning services and care provided in the long term care setting.

• Refer unresolved issues to the agencies responsible for taking the necessary corrective action.

• Provide information about nursing homes and other long term care facilities and services.

• Educate consumers about long term care programs and policy issues.

For more information call 301-934-0109 or 301-870-3388, ext. 5109.