LEGAL ISSUES - ADVOCACY AND GUARDIANSHIP

The Office on Aging provides both public guardianship and ombudsman services to eligible county residents.

The Ombudsman Program

The Ombudsman program receives and resolves complaints made by or for residents of long term care facilities. These complaints range from nutritional concerns to abuse and neglect. The ombudsman educates consumers and long term care providers about resident's rights and good care practices. As well as provide information to the public regarding nursing homes and assisted living facilities in our community. The Ombudsman program is authorized by the Older American's Act and Maryland law. For more information, please contact (410) 313-6423, or email at oross@howardcountymd.gov.

Public Guardianship

The Office on Aging may be court appointed as a public guardian for persons ages 65 and older who have been declared by the Courts to be incapable of making their own decisions. The Office on Aging is appointed as last resort, when there is no one else willing or able to serve as the guardian. Guardians may be required to determine appropriate living arrangements, oversee the provision of services or consent to medical treatment for persons under their guardianship. For more information, please contact (410) 313-6423, or email at oross@howardcountymd.gov.