Baltimore County Department of Aging

The Baltimore County Department of Aging assists individuals living in Baltimore County, age 60 and over, with support and services to maintain a high level of independence. The mission of the Department of Aging is to improve the health and overall quality of life of senior citizens by providing legal advice, financial assistance, companionship and interaction with peers.

Function

The goal of the Baltimore County Department of Aging is to provide assistance to senior citizens living in Baltimore County. The department provides services to ensure that all seniors maintain a proper quality of life. In addition to support for seniors, the department provides resources for families and caregivers of senior citizens in Baltimore County. The Baltimore County Department of Aging concerns itself with all issues and policies regarding the quality of life available to senior citizens.

Features

The Baltimore County Department of Aging provides a wide range of services and support to elderly individuals. Low-cost transportation is offered to all Baltimore County citizens over age 60 to ensure that seniors can maintain independence in the community. The department also provides health education for seniors, which allows them to play an active role in their health care and fitness needs. Elderly citizens in Baltimore County may also participate in the guardianship program if the family is unwilling or unable to care for their elderly family members. Senior citizens of Baltimore County may also utilize the Department of Aging to find employment, legal advice, home delivered meals and social activities.

Geography

The services provided by the Baltimore County Department of Aging are only open to senior citizens residing in Baltimore County. Unlike many other services provided by the county, the Department of Aging does not exclude senior citizens living in rural parts of Baltimore County. The department's policy is that it is important for all elderly citizens of Baltimore County to receive the services and support they offer.

Benefits

The services provided by the Baltimore County Department of Aging benefit both healthy and unhealthy senior citizens. By providing health education, the department encourages senior citizens to be more active in maintaining good health by exercising. In addition, the department provides financial assistance to elderly citizens unable to maintain a high quality of life. Because family has abandoned many seniors, the Department of Aging also provides a program to match seniors with volunteers in the area. Companionship and independence are vital to a healthy life, and the Baltimore County of Aging provides access to information and events to ensure both.

Prevention/Solution

In an effort to avoid premature entry into an assisted living facility or other institution, the Baltimore County Department of Aging assigns caseworkers. The Community Outreach services provided by the Department of Aging provide home visits, counseling and crisis intervention to seniors who are homebound. The goal is to maintain as much independence as possible for all seniors, even those in assisted living facilities. The more independence seniors have, the better their quality of life will be.

Resources

• Services provided by the Baltimore County Department of Aging