What is a long term care Ombudsman?
An ombudsman is an advocate and resource for persons who reside in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living and community residence facilities. The Federal Older Americans Act Amendment of 1978 mandated the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for every state. DC, Virginia, and Maryland have an Ombudsman Program for long term care and nursing home services.
What services are provided by a long term care Ombudsman?
A long-term care ombudsman advocates for improving the quality of life for persons receiving long-term care services in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Ombudsman help people searching for nursing home long term care and provide information about nursing home and long-term care facilities to help families make informed choices. Most importantly, the long-term care ombudsman can investigate and resolve complaints against nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
When should you contact a nursing home Ombudsman?
- To Resolve Complaints
- To Request Better Individualized Care
- To Confidentially Communicate Problems and Concerns
- To Gain Feedback Prior to Choosing a Nursing Home
Where can the long term care Ombudsman be found for DC, Virginia, and Maryland?
District of Columbia – The Office of the D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (DCLTCOP)
AARP provides long-term care ombudsman services for aging residents in the District as part of their Legal Counsel for the Elderly service program.
Visit the AARP website to learn more about the DC Ombudsman Program.
Call the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program at (202) 434-2190.
- https://www.aarp.org/legal-counsel-for-elderly/what-we-do/info-2017/dc-long-term-care-ombudsman.html
- https://dcoa.dc.gov/service/long-term-care-ombudsman-services
Northern Virginia – The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Loudoun County)
Intake line (703-324-5861, TTY 711) (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
- Email: Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
- https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/long-term-care-ombudsman-program
Maryland – Maryland Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
- http://aging.maryland.gov/Documents/OmbudsmanLocation.pdf
- http://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/Ombudsman.aspx
What can the Koonz firm do to help?
If you or your loved one was injured in a nursing home due to neglect or abuse, you have rights. Speak with an injury attorney from Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP.
Our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and the regulations that affect the industry. We are here to hold nursing homes accountable. Our team will fight for fair compensation to victims and their loved ones.
Speak with an attorney today by contacting one of our three convenient locations or by connecting with a team member online.