Senior Information and Assistance The Baltimore County Senior Information and Assistance (Senior I&A) is the primary means to obtain information about services and benefits available to seniors, their families and caregivers. Trained, nationally certified (CIRS) Information and Referral staff provide comprehensive screening, information on benefits, and referrals to appropriate agencies and programs. The Senior I&A office maintains a computerized resource directory to assist in locating services. In addition to information and referral, Senior I&A can help with applications for public benefits, including energy assistance, homeowners/renters tax credits and food stamps. Information regarding other programs of the Department of Aging, and requests for numerous publications can be obtained from this office. To reach Senior Information and Assistance, call 410-887-2594. The TTY number (for hearing impaired persons) is 410-887-3787 or send an e-mail to aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov Taking care of an older relative or friend can be difficult. Caregivers need and deserve the latest information about community resources, and guidance in making decisions about the care of their loved ones. The Caregiver Connection newsletter, caregiver consultations, respite information and educational programs can help. CountyRide provides low-cost transportation for Baltimore County residents 60 years of age and older as well as for disabled persons at least 21 years of age. The residents of Baltimore County rural areas are also eligible for this service. For information, call 410-887-2080. The TTY (for hearing impaired) number is 410-887-8439. Senior Health Insurance Counseling The Baltimore County Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers confidential assistance by phone and in-person. Health insurance counseling is provided through the services of trained volunteers. Information on Medicare Part D, Medigap policies, Long Term Care Insurance and other options is available. There is also assistance with resolving problems involving medical claims. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. . . The Baltimore County Senior HealthScope program provides health education opportunities and health screenings and medication management seminars to assist seniors in staying well and active. Programs are offered at all 19 senior centers. Community Outreach Specialists This service provides assistance with application for financial resources and other services. Case management services helps in avoiding premature or inappropriate institutionalization for frail, homebound elderly persons 60 years of age or older. Caseworkers visit the home for evaluation, assistance, crisis intervention and referrals. They help identify community resources and assist in accessing them. In instances where no family is available or willing to take responsibility for the care of an elderly person, the Director of the Department of Aging may be appointed by the Court as the legal guardian of the individual, with responsibility for arranging for housing, health care and all essential personal welfare needs. Part-time employment training opportunities are available for eligible residents of Baltimore County through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Applicants must be 55 years of age or older, residents of Baltimore County, and meet federal income guidelines. Additional employment services are also available and employers can register their job openings. For information call 410-887-4006. Legal Services for Senior Citizens Program The Legal Services for Senior Citizens Program provides free legal assistance, consultation and/or representation to seniors age 60 or older on: health care issues, income maintenance, nutrition, housing and utilities, protective services, and unemployment benefits. An attorney will assist in defending a senior in a lawsuit when there is a substantial risk to the client's person, property or civil rights. Referrals to other legal resources will be made for issues not listed above. Call the Maryland Senior Legal Hotline at 410-951-7750 or 1-800-896-4213. Baltimore County's 19 senior centers, located throughout the county, are focal points for a broad array of services and programs targeted to older persons. Most have obtained national accreditation. The senior centers offer nutrition, recreation and educational/instructional programs, as well as counseling and health screening. The Time of Your Life Television Show The Time of Your Life television show offers educational information on county programs and issues affecting the older adult. Two home-delivered meals are provided daily, five days a week on a full or partial-payment basis through Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Inc. Nutritionally sound meals are served to anyone 60 years of age and older and to the spouses of eligible persons at senior centers and senior housing units. Participants contribute anonymously toward the cost of the meals. Less active seniors can receive free specialized assistance enabling them to participate in senior center programs at the eight locations which offer the Center Connection Program. This special program seeks to improve socialization, create a purposeful role and increase the independent functioning of its participants. Senior Digest is the Baltimore County Department of Aging's large-print, low-cost, newspaper filled with useful and interesting information on federal, state and local issues that can affect senior adults in Baltimore County. It is mailed to subscribers' homes approximately every six weeks, eight times a year. For information, to subscribe or advertise, call 410-887-3050. Senior Expo/Baby Boomer Expo is the exciting two-day information and resource exposition held annually by the Baltimore County Department of Aging. Through Senior Expo, seniors and their families can learn about the wide variety of products and services which can enhance their lives in the years ahead. More than 130 exhibits feature the latest information on health care, finances, government services, leisure time activities, retirement housing and products to make life easier for mature adults. Ombudsman staff members investigate and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Volunteers are an important part of the Ombudsman program. The ombudsman staff also answers inquiries about nursing home alternatives, financing and other issues related to pre-placement planning or patients' rights. Baltimore County Home Team Program This is an in-home volunteer service for people over age 60 who need assistance to remain independent in their homes. Eligible clients are assigned to a volunteer who provides one or more of the following services: friendly and telephone visits, escort trips and shopping assistance, light housekeeping or correspondence assistance. Volunteers must be age 18 or older. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is designed to match individuals 60 years of age and older with rewarding volunteer positions. Placement for volunteers may be within the Department of Aging or other government or non-profit agency. This program is in cooperation with AARP through which trained volunteers provide seniors with assistance in preparing their income tax returns. This program is available from February to the tax deadline in April, usually at a senior center. Information is available on housing options for older adults in Baltimore County. Senior apartments, assisted living, retirement communities, and nursing homes are options of interest. The Department of Aging Housing Program also certifies and monitors 4 to 15 bed assisted living facilities. Baltimore County Volunteers is an organization designed to coordinate the volunteer needs of Baltimore County residents, non-profits and government agencies. Search and be matched up with volunteer opportunities that are ideally suited to your interests, skills and geographic preferences by zip code and miles you are willing to travel from home. A way to make a difference, volunteering is just a click away. Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities or who has projects in need of volunteers should call 410-887-2715 for more information or go to the Baltimore County Volunteers website to register. Medical Equipment Loan Program Wheelchairs, companion chairs, walkers, shower chairs and other items are available to Baltimore County residents age 60 and older through the Department of Aging Loan Closet. There is no charge for the temporary use of this equipment, although a few items such as wheelchairs require a refundable $25 deposit. Donation of equipment in good condition is welcome. Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver Program The Waiver for Older Adults, as this program is commonly known, provides services in the community to low-income adults who would otherwise require nursing home placement. The person must be age 50 or older, meet income and asset eligibility, and qualify for a nursing facility level of care. The Department of Aging publishes many booklets and brochures, including the Senior Resources book, Two Generations, books on Telemarketing and Scams, and many others. Tickets for many different events can be obtained through this program at a discounted rate. Registration is required. Revised July 28, 2009 |
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