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 oross@howardcountymd.gov.

LEGAL SERVICES: 60+ Wills and Legal Screenings

The Sixty Plus Wills and Legal Screening program provides low cost legal services for persons over age 60, or persons over age 55 with a disability. The program works with local attorneys who provide legal services like simple wills, powers of attorney, living wills, small estates and deed changes.

How much does it cost? The initial meeting with the attorney is FREE. Afterwards, if the attorney is to represent the person, the work will be done at a very modest cost. Each document the attorney prepares will cost $25, or $35 for a pair of documents for a married couple. The fee for representation in a small estate is $25 per hour with the total cost not to exceed $500.

How does one qualify? One must be at least 60 years old or 55 with a disability. Annual Income for an individual must be $19,000 or less; $25,000 or less for a couple. Assets cannot be more than $20,000 for an individual; $40,000 for a couple. The home, a car or two cars for a couple, and personal property are not counted as assets. Persons with higher income and assets can use the program, but legal fees must be negotiated with the attorney.

How does one make an appointment? Sixty Plus Wills is offered at The Bain Center on the third Wednesday of the month, and at the Ellicott City Senior Center on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Thirty-minute appointments are available from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and are required. Individuals may call The Bain Center, 410-313-7213, or the Ellicott City Senior Center, 410-313-1400, to arrange a convenient time.