Howard County Resource Guide 2018

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 44 H OWA R D C O U N T Y R E S O U R C E G U I D E 2 0 1 7 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 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+. Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Program (SALGHS) Provides financial assistance for a limited number of eligible Assisted Living Group Home residents age 62 or older residing in approved facilities of 16 beds or less. • Recipients of these funds must meet the age criteria, medical and financial criteria. • The recipient must reside in a small 4 to 16 bed assisted living facility that has contracted with the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence to provide assisted living services. Home and Community Based Services Division