![[photo, 301 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/15dgs/images/1198-1-10067c.jpg)
To meet the needs of senior citizens, the Department administers programs throughout the State, primarily through local "area agencies" on aging. Required by 1973 amendments to the federal law, these area agencies are either local government agencies or nonprofit organizations. They are designated by each county and Baltimore City to administer State and federal funds for local senior citizen programs. These programs cover advocacy services, case management, chronic disease management, elder abuse prevention, health education, housing, information and referral, in-home services, and nutrition (Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-201 through 10-214).
- COMMISSION ON AGING
The Commission on Aging advises the Secretary of Aging about the needs of the elderly in Maryland and the work of the Department of Aging. The Commission originated as the State Coordinating Commission on the Problems of the Aging in 1959 (Chapter 1, Acts of 1959). It reformed under its present name in 1971 (Chapter 595, Acts of 1971).
Thirteen members constitute the Commission. They are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor who names the Chair (Code Human Services Article, sec. 10-208).
FINANCIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Financial Review Committee was created in 1985 (Chapter 752, Acts of 1985). At the request of the Department of Aging, the Committee evaluates the financial condition of providers of continuing care who are experiencing financial difficulty. The Committee then recommends what action the Department should take.
The Committee's seven members are appointed to three-year terms by the Secretary of Aging (Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-463 through 10-469).
FINANCE DIVISION
The Finance Division began as the Planning and Evaluation Division. It reorganized as the Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs Division in 1993 and resumed its original name in 1995. The Management Division merged with the Planning and Evaluation Division to form the Planning and Operations Division in 1997. In July 2006, it was renamed the Budget and Fiscal Services Division, and in July 2014, combined with Operations and restructured as the Operations and Fiscal Services Division. It was renamed the Finance Division by 2023.For the Department of Aging, the Division provides fiscal services, grant management, general administration, and procurement and program evaluation. It conducts research and reviews plans of local agencies on aging.
The Division oversees Legislation and Federal Programs; Records Management; and Senior Information and Assistance
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
SENIOR INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
Senior Information and Assistance directs older persons and their families to services and benefits available through their local agency on aging or private agencies. In each county and in Baltimore City, these offices help the elderly get information about community services, health care, housing, income and financial aid, as well as transportation; employment and training; and legal services. The offices also refer senior citizens to these services.
Community Services:
Frail Elderly:
Health:
Housing:
Income & Financial Aid:
The Division identifies opportunities to secure funding and develop partnerships that advance the Department's strategic plan, including Maryland Community for Life, Senior Call Check, Cognitive and Behavioral Health, and new projects.
The Client and Community Services Division is responsible for the local agencies on aging that serve Maryland's counties and Baltimore City. The Division also administers five programs: Eldercare Affairs; Nutrition and Health Promotion; Senior Care; Senior Centers; and Senior Information and Assistance.
Senior Advocacy Programs. Through a system of coordinated services, these programs protect vulnerable or at-risk older persons living at home or in institutions. Programs include Curb Abuse in Medicare and Medicaid, Legal Assistance, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Public Guardianship, Elder Abuse Prevention, and Senior Health-Insurance Assistance.
Senior-Center Capital Improvement Program. To local governments, this program makes grants that supplement the costs of new construction, conversions, renovations, acquisitions, and/or capital equipment to develop senior centers.
MARYLAND DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT REUSE PROGRAM
At no cost, Marylanders with any illness, injury, or disability, regardless of age or income level, are provided with durable medical equipment by the Department of Aging under this Program. Donated equipment is sanitized, repaired, and redistributed to Marylanders in need. Among the kinds of equipment needed are: wheelchairs, including power wheelchairs and power scooters; rollators and walkers; shower chairs and tub transfer benches; bedside commodes and toilet safety rails; all pediatric equipment; home hospital beds; and mechanical lifts.
ELDER RIGHTS
Elder Rights oversees Guardianship, Elder Abuse Prevention, and Legal Services.
HOUSING SUBSIDY PROGRAMS
Housing Subsidy Programs oversees Congregate House Subsidy and Senior Assisted Living Subsidy.
The Continuing Care Division regulates continuing-care retirement communities. These communities may not offer continuing care, enter into or renew continuing care agreements, begin construction for a new facility, begin construction of an expansion to or renovation of an existing facility, or collect deposits for continuing care in Maryland unless certified by the Division (Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-407 through 10-416).
Continuing-care retirement communities are specific types of retirement housing which offer a combination of housing and services, including access to medical and nursing services or other health-related benefits. These are offered to individuals who have paid a substantial entrance fee and signed contracts covering a period of more than one year (usually for life). Health-related benefits may include full coverage of nursing care in an on-site nursing center at no additional fee or may be limited to priority admission to a nursing home with additional fee for services. The substantial entrance fee and contracts covering a period of more than one year are the features that distinguish these communities from others. Services are offered to individuals, age 60 or older, who are not related to the provider.
The Division also regulates continuing care at home, which includes health services and assistance with the maintenance of a person's dwelling. Services are offered for the life of an individual, or for a period of more than one year where a written agreement has been executed between an individual and the provider, and the transfer of assets and/or a substantial entrance fee is required (Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-453 through 10-460).
Through the Division, a Medicaid waiver may allow community care for elderly persons who otherwise would require nursing homes. In addition, continuing-care retirement communities which provide housing and health-related services (for the payment of an entrance fee & a monthly service fee) are regulated by the Division.
MARYLAND ACCESS POINT
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The Office oversees the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and serves as an advocate for senior citizens within that program.
The Program receives and resolves complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. To accomplish its goals, the Program works through nineteen local programs based in local area agencies on aging throughout Maryland (Code Human Services Article, secs. 10-901 through 10-911).
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MULTI-SECTOR PLANNING DIVISION
In 2023, the Multi-Sector Planning Division was established.
Since October 1, 2017, the Department of Aging has had a program for the continual, economical and efficient management of its records. The Department's Records Officer develops and oversees the program, and serves as liaison to the Records Management Division of the Department of General Services, and to the State Archives (Chapter 539, Acts of 2017; Code State Government Article, secs. 10-608 through 10-611).
Formerly under the Nutrition and Community Services Division, Senior Information and Assistance became part of the Client and Community Services Division in October 1998. It moved under the Multi-Sector Planning Division in 2023.
SERVICES & BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR OLDER PERSONS IN MARYLAND
(subject to eligibility & program funding)
SPECIAL INITIATIVES DIVISION
In March 2023, the Special Initiatives DIvision was created.
![[photo, 301 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/10da/images/i005903b.jpg)
DEPUTY SECRETARY
The Deputy Secretary oversees the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and three divisions: Client and Community Services; Continuing Care; and Long-Term Care Services and Supports.
301 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland, December 2000. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
CLIENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION
In 1998, the Client and Community Services Division formed within the Department of Aging from the consolidation of the Client Services and Long-Term Care Division with the Nutrition and Community Services Division. The Client Services and Long-Term Care Division organized in 1995 to direct programs previously administered by the Nutrition and Community Services Division and the former Housing and Continuing Care Division. The Nutrition and Community Services Division was renamed the Community Services and Nutrition Division in 1994 and resumed its original name in 1995.
The Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program was initiated in 2021.
Established in January 2008 as the Eldercare Affairs Unit, it later was renamed as Elder Rights.
Originally, Housing Subsidy Programs started as Congregate Housing Services under the Housing Services Division. The Division transferred to Operations and Program Development in 2009, to Operations in 2012, and to Operations and Fiscal Services Division in July 2014. By 2023, it had been renamed Housing Subsidy Programs.
![[photo, Senior Citizens' Center, 19 Frederick St., Cumberland, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/al/images/1198-1-1416.jpg)
NUTRITION & HEALTH PROMOTION
Through wholesome meals, nutrition education, and social activities, Senior Nutrition Programs seek to improve the quality of life of older persons. Health Promotion Programs provide essential education and services to promote overall health, physical fitness, and mental ability.
Senior Citizens' Center, 19 Frederick St., Cumberland, Maryland, July 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
![[photo, Pascal Senior Activity Center, 125 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie (Anne Arundel County), Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/an/images/buildings/1198-1-09289c.jpg)
SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM
Local Senior Centers offer exercise programs, health screenings, and wellness seminars. Also offered are meal services, arts and crafts, continuing education, health promotion and disease prevention services, and transportation.
Pascal Senior Activity Center, 125 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie (Anne Arundel County), Maryland, October 2018. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
![[photo, Aging and Disabilities Division, Cecil County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/ce/images/buildings/1198-1-08709c.jpg)
SENIOR CARE PROGRAM
Under the Client and Community Services Division, the Senior Care Program enables seniors with medical disabilities to stay in their own homes. It helps arrange and fund services, such as home delivery of meals, personal care, assistance with purchasing medications, transportation, and adult day care.
Aging & Disabilities Division, Cecil County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton, Maryland, May 2018. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
CONTINUING CARE DIVISION
Within the Department of Aging, the Continuing Care Division formed in August 1999. Formerly, its functions had been carried out by the Housing Services Division.
LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES & SUPPORTS DIVISION
The Long-Term Care Services and Supports Division started as the Housing and Continuing Care Division. When it was assigned functions of the former Long-Term Care Division in 1993, it was renamed the Housing and Long-Term Care Division. In 1995, it became the Housing Services Division, and in January 2011, reorganized under its present name.
Under the Long-Term Care Services and Supports Division is Maryland Access Point. This program helps individuals and their caregivers plan and make decisions concerning their long-term care, as well as find the services they need.
OFFICE OF THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN
Required by the federal Older Americans Act (originally enacted in 1965), the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman was established by statute of the General Assembly in the Department of Aging in June 2010 (Chapter 155, Acts of 2010).
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e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov