Maryland Ombudsman on State’s Nursing Home System: “We Are Concerned”

WBALTV reports that a Maryland state official tasked with ensuring the safety of elderly residents has expressed concerns about the state’s ability to do so. According to the station’s reporting, in 2021, two women filed a complaint regarding their sister’s care at a Maryland nursing home. Despite receiving a case number for the complaint, the sisters say they have yet to hear back from the state. This lack of communication has led them to question the efficiency and reliability of Maryland’s process for handling such complaints. They believe their case might be part of a broader systemic issue where complaints do not receive the attention they require.

Maryland Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman responded to these concerns, stating that the state logs every complaint and has no record of any becoming lost. He acknowledged that if there were a communication issue, the state would be willing to address and correct it. However, this reassurance has not alleviated the concerns of the two women, who are still waiting for answers.

Concerns from Maryland’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Stevanne Ellis, Maryland’s long-term care ombudsman, expressed deep concern about the state of nursing homes in Maryland, particularly in relation to abuse, neglect, and quality of care. Ellis noted that complaints about care are the most common issue her office encounters.

Ellis stated that she has attempted to address staffing shortages by directly engaging with nursing home administrators, suggesting they temporarily halt admissions until they can ensure adequate staffing levels. However, her suggestions have often been met with resistance.

Ellis’s remarks underscore a broader issue within Maryland’s nursing home system: the persistent problem of inadequate staffing, which directly impacts the quality of care residents receive. This issue, along with reports of abuse and neglect, suggests that some nursing homes might not be providing the level of care that residents deserve.

State Oversight and Challenges

Dr. Kalyanaraman reaffirmed the state’s commitment to nursing home safety, indicating that the OHCQ investigates all complaints based on severity. He noted that staffing shortages are particularly concerning and can prompt swift investigations to ensure residents are receiving proper care. Despite these assurances, Kalyanaraman refrained from discussing specific complaints or naming particular nursing homes, focusing instead on the general state of nursing home care in Maryland.

He asserted that while Maryland’s nursing homes are generally in good shape, vigilance and oversight are necessary to maintain and improve standards of care. His comments reflect the ongoing challenges the state faces in ensuring all nursing homes meet the required safety and care standards.

The Prevalence of Abuse and Neglect in Maryland Nursing Homes

In 2020, the Maryland Department of Aging’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program received 283 allegations of abuse within long-term care facilities. These allegations included 110 reports of physical abuse, 70 reports of gross neglect, 49 reports of psychological abuse, 37 reports of financial exploitation, and 17 reports of sexual abuse.

The Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) also received a substantial number of reports concerning abuse and neglect. That same year, the OHCQ’s Long Term Care Unit received 1,382 reports of alleged abuse and 836 allegations of neglect.

In 2019, Maryland’s Adult Protective Services (APS) Program received approximately 7,531 reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation involving vulnerable adults. Of these cases, 979 required ongoing case management to monitor and mitigate risk factors.

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in a Maryland Nursing Home

If you believe your loved one is suffering from abuse, neglect, or inadequate care in a Maryland nursing home, take action now. Visit FreeNursingHomeAbuseReport.com to fill out our simple form and report your concerns. Our dedicated team will immediately begin investigating on your behalf to provide you with the information and assistance you need.

At FreeNursingHomeAbuseReport.com, we are committed to protecting the rights of seniors so they can live dignified lives free from abuse. Fill out our form today to take the first step in safeguarding your loved one’s well-being. Let us help you get the answers and support you need completely free of charge. You don’t have to face this challenging situation alone—we are here to help.

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