Note: Our Web site has changed!
You will be redirected to the new home page in a few seconds.

Long Term Care Ombudsman

Long-term care ombudsman programs were established in the United States in 1972 under the Older Americans Act. Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of assisted living and nursing homes. Ombudsmen and trained volunteer ombudsmen monitor homes by visiting them on a regular basis. Their services are free and can be kept confidential. The Ombudsmen roles outlined in Title VII of the Older Americans Act include:

  • Identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents;
  • Provide information to residents about long-term care services;
  • Represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies to protect residents;
  • Analyze, comment on and recommend changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the health safety, welfare and rights of residents;
  • Educate and inform consumers and the general public regarding issues and concerns related to long-term care and facilitate public comment on laws, regulations, policies and actions;
  • Promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the program;
  • Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents; and
  • Advocate for changes to improve residents' quality of life and care.

These are the numbers of the Ombudsman offices in the National Capital Area Chapter territory.

Maryland

Calvert County Office on Aging
Prince Frederick
410-535-4606

Charles County Area Agency on Aging
Port Tobacco
301-934-0133

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services
Rockville
Licensed Assisted Living Facilities for Seniors: 240-777-3910
Nursing Homes: 240-777-3369

Prince Georges County Department of Family Services/Aging Services Division
Hyattsville
301-699-2684

St. Mary's County Office on Aging
Leonardtown
301-475-4509

Virginia

Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Fairfax
Serving: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Loudoun, Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William County
703-324-5861

Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging
Front Royal
Serving: Clarke, Frederick, Warren, Page, Shenandoah, City of Winchester
800-883-4122
540-635-7141

Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging
Fredericksburg
Serving: Stafford, King George, Caroline, Spotsylvania, City of Fredericksburg
800-262-4012
540-371-3375

Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board
Culpeper
Serving: Fauquier, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Madison, Orange Counties
540-825-3100

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia Office on Aging has a state Ombudsman Program office that is operated by Legal Counsel for the Elderly (sponsored by AARP and affiliated with the AARP Foundation).

State Ombudsman
610 E Street, NW, A4-315
202-662-4933

Ombudsman for Community Residential Facilities (Board and Care Homes)
202-434-2139

Two Local ombudsman offices serving nursing home residents:

  1. Emmaus Services for the Aging
    5 Thomas Circle, NW
    202-745-1200

  2. United Planning Organization
    1649 Good Hope Road, SE
    202-610-0466

For additional information on Long-Term Care Ombudsman around the United States please contact the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center at 202-332-2275 or www.ltcombudsman.org

In the National Capital Area chapter service territory, for more information about Long Term Care Ombudsman, please contact the Chapter's telephone Helpline at 703-359-4440 or toll-free 1-800-272-3900. Outside the National Capital Area, please contact your local Chapter.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter!

© 1997 - 2005 Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area. All rights reserved.
703-359-4440 or toll-free 1-800-272-3900