Long Term Care Ombudsman

<TITLE>Long Term Care Ombudsman</title>
 

<H1>Long Term Care Ombudsman</H1>

 



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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:

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<UL>
<LI>Identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents;
<LI>Provide information to residents about long-term care services;
<LI>Represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies to protect residents;
<LI>Analyze, comment on and recommend changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the health safety, welfare and rights of residents;
<LI>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;
<LI>Promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the program;
<LI>Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents; and
<LI>Advocate for changes to improve residents' quality of life and care.
</UL>


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<H2>These are the numbers of the Ombudsman offices in the National Capital Area Chapter territory.</H2>

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<H2>Maryland</H2>

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Calvert County Office on Aging<BR>
Prince Frederick<BR>
410-535-4606

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Charles County Area Agency on Aging<BR>
Port Tobacco<BR>
301-934-0133

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Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services<BR> Rockville<BR>
Licensed Assisted Living Facilities for Seniors: 240-777-3910<BR>
Nursing Homes: 240-777-3369

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Prince Georges County Department of Family Services/Aging Services Division<BR>
Hyattsville<BR>
301-699-2684

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St. Mary's County Office on Aging<BR>
Leonardtown<BR>
301-475-4509




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<H2>Virginia</H2>

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Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program<BR>
Fairfax<BR>
Serving: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Loudoun, Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William County<BR>
703-324-5861

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Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging<BR>
Front Royal<BR>
Serving: Clarke, Frederick, Warren, Page, Shenandoah, City of Winchester<BR>
800-883-4122<BR>
540-635-7141

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Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging<BR>
Fredericksburg<BR>
Serving: Stafford, King George, Caroline, Spotsylvania, City of Fredericksburg<BR>
800-262-4012<BR>
540-371-3375

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Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board<BR>
Culpeper<BR>
Serving: Fauquier, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Madison, Orange Counties<BR>
540-825-3100

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<H2>District of Columbia</H2>

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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).
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State Ombudsman<BR>
610 E Street, NW, A4-315<BR>
202-662-4933

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Ombudsman for Community Residential Facilities (Board and Care Homes)<BR>
202-434-2139

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Two Local ombudsman offices serving nursing home residents:
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<OL>
<LI>Emmaus Services for the Aging<BR>
5 Thomas Circle, NW<BR>
202-745-1200

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<LI>United Planning Organization<BR>
1649 Good Hope Road, SE<BR>
202-610-0466
</OL>

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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 <a href="http://www.ltcombudsman.org">www.ltcombudsman.org</a>






  Long Term Care Ombudsman