What is the Senior Care Program?
The Maryland Senior Care program helps people age 65 and older stay in their homes instead of moving to a nursing home. It provides care and support services for those who need extra help. If you qualify, the program may also help pay for things like personal care, chores, medicine, medical supplies, short breaks for family caregivers, home-delivered meals, rides to appointments, and an emergency alert service.
Who is eligible for the Senior Care Program?
To get help from the Maryland Senior Care program, you must:
- Be 65 or older.
- Have a moderate or serious disability.
- Live in the county where you’re seeking help.
To get help paying for services like personal care or meal delivery, also known as gap-filling funds, you must also meet certain income rules.
How do I apply for the Senior Care Program?
Start by contacting your local aging, health, or social services office. Find an office near you. Then, you will:
- Complete a screening: You will complete a screening where you answer questions about your age, income, and how well you can perform daily tasks.
- Complete an assessment: After that, someone will meet with you and your family in person to ask more questions. This is called an assessment. It helps decide if you qualify for the program.
- Get a care plan: Once the assessment is done and you are accepted into the Senior Care Program, a care plan will be made just for you. This plan lists the services you already get and the ones you still need.
A case manager will then meet with you to go over the plan and help you get the services that are right for you.
How can I get help signing up for the Senior Care Program?
If you need help signing up for the Senior Care program or want to learn more, you can:
- Visit Maryland 211’s website which can connect you with local offices, nearby resources, and help you understand what assistance options are available. You can also call Maryland 211 at 1-844-627-5465 or 211.
- Call the Maryland Department of Aging at 410-767-1100.