| If
you have concerns about the quality of the care your loved one is
receiving in an assisted living facility, or if there is a specific
issue that needs to be addressed, it is important that you take steps
to resolve it. State
regulations require that every assisted living program have
a written complaint procedure. Ask for a copy. |
HANDLING
PROBLEMS ON YOUR OWN
Contact the facility manager. Be as specific as possible about the details
of the problem. The manager should investigate and get back to you promptly.
| Become
an effective advocate for your older relative by visiting often
and familiarizing yourself with the routines of the facility.
Get to know the staff, and help them to know your older relative
by telling them about his or her background, interests and needs.
Read about Resident's
Rights; state regulations require that these rights be posted
in the facility. |
SEEKING
FURTHER HELP
If you do not want to discuss the matter with the manager, or the manager
was not successful in resolving the problem, you have several options:
- You may contact the
Office of Health Care Quality of the Maryland Department of Health
and Mental
Hygiene at 410-402-8200 or toll free at 1-887-402-8221.
You may also file a complaint electronically.
-
You may call the local Long
Term Care Ombudsman.
In Baltimore
County, call 410-887-4200.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman's office investigates complaints
about care in assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
-
If the problem is related to fees or the use of the resident's funds,
it may be helpful to consult with an attorney. The Legal Aid Bureau of
Maryland may be able to assist, if the resident meets their financial eligibility
criteria. In Maryland, call Legal
Aid's Assisted Living Project (PDF) at 410-296-6705; long-distance callers may dial 1-800-367-7563. If your
relative
is not eligible for the services of Legal Aid, they can refer you to
other sources of legal assistance.
| If
you suspect that your older relative or another resident is being abused,
neglected or financially exploited, call the Adult Services unit of
the local Department
Of Social Services to make
an Adult Protective Services complaint. In Baltimore County, call 410-853-3000. |
