The mission of the Baltimore County Department of Aging is to develop and administer programs and activities that support Baltimore County senior citizens in their efforts to remain healthy, active, and independent members of the community and to provide, coordinate, and advocate for services which ensure the highest quality of life for both active and health-impaired seniors, their families, and caregivers.

Description:
Accepting the stated mission of Baltimore County Department of Aging, volunteer Ombudsman are advocates who commit to visit residents in long term care facilities to listen, educate, advocate, and empower residents and their families. They help monitor conditions in the facility and agree to a 6 month commitment to visit a nursing home selected by them, for 2 hours each week.

Volunteer Ombudsman work with the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to uphold the rights of Baltimore County nursing home residents. They work to ensure that residents are treated in the same way people who live at home take for granted. Trained volunteer advocates are an integral part of the county's Long Term Care program. The position is a SERIOUS VOLUNTEER JOB that can have a meaningful effect on the lives of nursing home residents.

Volunteer will attend an initial 3 day training before accepting placement as a resident advocate and will continue to supplement and enhance knowledge and skills through quarterly trainings. Training will acquaint the volunteer with the ins and outs of life in a nursing home, as well as the knowledge and skills to resolve issues and problems residents face.

If you can commit to this demanding, but highly rewarding volunteer position, contact the Baltimore County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program for information regarding the next training session and to obtain the forms necessary to sign up for the position.

History:
The Baltimore County Department of Aging Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was established by the Older American's Act and Maryland Law. Its primary aim is to provide advocacy services to the residents of Baltimore County nursing facilities. In Baltimore County, trained volunteer ombudsmen have been assisting residents for over ten years. Volunteers are an integral part of the program, as they serve as the "eyes and ears" of the program, identifying concerns and advocating for the improved quality of care for all residents.

Contact people:

Cass Jorgensen, Volunteer Coordinator/Educator, (phone), (email) Lynn McCamie, MSW, Program Manager, (phone), (email) Terry Ellinger, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email)

Address:

611 Central Avenue Towson, MD 21204 (See a map)

Directions:

Baltimore Beltway I-695 Exit 26 South, York Road, to Bosley Avenue. Right on Bosley Avenue to the third traffic light, which is Allegheny Avenue. Right on Allegheny Avenue to Central Avenue, one block. Right on Central Avenue.. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Does this agency accept court appointed volunteers?
	No