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O F F I C E O N A G I N G A N D I N D E P E N D E N C E P R O G R A M S
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Home and
Community Based
Services Division
The Home and Community Based Services Division of the
Office on Aging and Independence contains long term care
services and supports programs. These programs support an
individual to either remain in their own home with services
to support them in place or programs that support them in
a long term care setting such as an assisted living or nursing
home setting.
Aging in Place Program (AIP)
Aging in Place provides direct services to Howard County
older adults and individuals with disabilities seeking to remain
in their home with safety and independence. AIP consists of
five services including:
• In-Home Safety Assessments by an Occupational
Therapist of the person, their environment and tasks.
Some interventions may include adaptive equipment,
environmental modifications and client/caregiver
training.
• Home Accessibility and Repair
• Senior Care Services for Older Adults at risk for
institutionalization. The services include case
management, in-home aide services and a variety of
support services i.e. incontinence supplies , personal
emergency response systems and respite care.
• Information and Referral
• The Loan Closet of Howard County is a clearinghouse
of donated medical equipment recycled and loaned to
any Howard County Resident. The Loan Closet has
operated under an MOU between the Way Station,
Columbia Rotary Club and the Office on Aging and
Independence since 2004.
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
• The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, a federally
mandated program, works with residents in nursing
homes and assisted living facilities and empowers
residents to advocate for their health, safety, welfare, and
rights. The program is also available to assist families
and friends of residents of long term care facilities, or
people considering placement in these settings, with
information or referral to other agencies that provide
services that the resident or family might need. The
program also provides community and individual
education on issues related to resident’s rights, elder
abuse awareness and long term care.
• Assistance provided by the Ombudsman is free of
charge and governed by a strict code of confidentiality;
anonymous calls and complaints are accepted.
Public Guardianship Program
The Maryland Public Guardianship Program was established
in 1976 to provide a court-appointed public official to
be the decision maker for older Marylanders 65+, who,
because of mental disability, are unable to make informed
decisions about their medical care, residence, and safety,
and who do not have a family member, friend, neighbor
or agency to make these decisions. The local Office on
Aging and Independence serves as means of last resort. The
Office on Aging and Independence Administrator serves as
Guardian of the Person and an attorney or other private
party serves as Guardian of the Property.
A guardian shall
be appointed if the court determines from clear and convincing
evidence that the individual is incompetent.
The Office on
Aging and Independence as Guardian of Person will provide
guardianship case management for the wards of the court in
Howard County aged 65+.