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Department of Aging

Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Support for Long-Term Care Residents

The Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the health, safety, well-being, and rights of residents in assisted living and nursing homes. Working at the direction of the resident and only taking action with their consent, Ombudsman services are confidential and free of charge. Ombudsman also advocate for laws, regulations, and policies that protect resident rights and improve quality of life. 

2025 Impact

The Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves over 54,000 Maryland residents, visiting more than 1,800 licensed assisted living and nursing homes each year, and resolving 86% of all complaints to the satisfaction of the resident.

  • 3,978

    Complaints investigated, verified, and resolved
  • 7,252

    Visits to nursing homes and assisted living communities
  • 505

    Resident and family councils attended

When I came to the nursing home I felt out of place. Then I met my ombudsman, who was someone I could talk to. They told me about the resident council, which changed how I felt about being in the nursing home because participating gives me purpose and makes me feel like I make a difference for other people.

~Brian (Nursing Home Resident)

  • Empowers residents to direct their own lives
  • Investigates complaints made by or on behalf of residents
  • Listens to residents about their concerns and wishes
  • Educates residents, staff and the community about resident rights
  • Offers ideas and discusses options to resolve resident concerns
  • Advocates on behalf of residents​
  • Supports resident and family councils