Baltimore County

Baltimore County is one of 23 counties in the state and it doesn’t include Baltimore City, which is a separate government entity. It’s located in the north-central part of Maryland. Its population is about 831,128 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau and reported on the county’s website. It claims the County is the top job center in the area and the second largest job center in the state.

Baltimore County is the third most populous county in Maryland, and its population is expected to grow to 847,000 by 2020. It’s the third largest land area of any political subdivision in the state, with 612 square miles and 28 square miles of water. Over the years, the land use in the county has changed from rural to an urban and rural mix. Baltimore County has 29 unincorporated communities.

The county’s largest segment of the population by age is those 20 to 44 years of age, or 32.6%. Those who are 65 and older make up 16.1% of the population, numbering nearly 134,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most of the population, 90.4%, has at least a high school diploma. Those with an associate’s degree or higher college degree are 44.1% of the population.

There are an estimated 21,000 employers, with about 379,000 employees in the county. There are nine industries that drive Baltimore County’s economic and employment growth, generating about three-quarters of the County’s employment growth since 2001, according to the county website. They are expected to create three-quarters of the County’s employment growth through 2024.
The nine main industries are:

• Corporate Headquarters, Operations Centers, Shared Services and Professional Services
• Federal Agencies and Contractors
• Healthcare
• Information and Advanced Technology
• Manufacturing
• Port-Related Industries, Logistics and Distribution Centers
• Construction
• Financial Services
• Public and Private Higher Education.

Healthcare (which includes nursing homes) is by far the leading employer in the group, with nearly 53,000 employees as of 2015. The industry with the second highest number of workers, about 25,000, is corporate headquarters, operations centers, shared services and professional services. As of December 2016, the county’s unemployment rate was 4.1%. It’s expected that employment will increase by about 12,900 jobs by 2024.

Part of county government is the Department of Aging’s Ombudsman Program. It’s intended to protect the rights and promote the well-being of those living in long-term care facilities. Staff and volunteers are advocates of residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and continuing-care retirement centers. They investigate and attempt to resolve problems and complaints made by or on behalf of residents.

You can reach the Baltimore County Ombudsman Program by emailing them at ombudsman@baltimorecountymd.gov or calling the main office at 410-887-4200. Staff members answer questions about residents’ rights, quality of care, nursing home alternatives, financing and pre-placement planning. There is no charge for these services.

If your loved one died or was injured because of neglect or abuse by a Baltimore County nursing home, assisted living facility or group home, contact our office. We can talk about the situation, the applicable laws, what types of damages may be sought and your legal options for obtaining compensation and justice.  At the Law Offices of Roger S. Weinberg, you’ll find compassionate support and experienced advocates to help your family through the tough times. Call 410-825-3161 today to schedule a free consultation.