DEPARTMENT OF AGING

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Heading the Department of Aging, the Secretary of Aging is appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Secretary of Aging serves on the Governor's Executive Council and the Assisted Living Programs Board. To evaluate services needed by elderly persons and set priorities for meeting these needs, the Secretary chairs the Interagency Committee on Aging Services. The Secretary also serves as advocate for the elderly at all levels of government.

The Department of Aging works through four divisions: Client Services and Long-Term Care; Housing Services; Nutrition and Community Services; and Planning and Operations. The Department is aided by the Commission on Aging, and the Financial Review Committee (Code 1957, Art. 70B).

COMMISSION ON AGING
The Commission on Aging advises the Secretary of Aging about the needs of the elderly in Maryland and the work of the Department of Aging. The Commission's thirteen members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor who names the chair (Code 1957, Art. 70B, sec. 3).

FINANCIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Financial Review Committee was created in 1985 (Chapter 752, Acts of 1985). At the request of the Department of Aging, the Committee evaluates the financial condition of providers of continuing care who are experiencing financial difficulty. The Committee then recommends what action the Department should take.

The Committee's seven members are appointed to three-year terms by the Secretary of Aging (Code 1957, Art. 70B, sec. 17A).

CLIENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

The Client and Community Services Division originated as the Client Services and Long-Term Care Division. The latter division organized in 1995 to direct programs previously administered by the Nutrition and Community Services Division and the former Housing and Continuing Care Division.

The Senior Care Program helps arrange and fund services, such as home delivery of meals, personal care, assistance with purchasing medications, transportation, and adult day care. The Program thus enables seniors with medical disabilities to stay in their own homes.

Senior Advocacy Programs protect vulnerable or at-risk older persons living at home or in institutions through a system of coordinated services. Programs include Legal Assistance, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Public Guardianship, Elder Abuse Prevention, and Senior Health-Insurance Counseling and Advocacy.

HOUSING SERVICES DIVISION

The Housing Services Division began as the Housing and Continuing Care Division. When it was assigned functions of the former Long-Term Care Division in 1993, it was renamed the Housing and Long-Term Care Division. In 1995, it became the Housing Services Division.

The Division administers Senior Assisted-Housing and Congregate-Housing Services which combine housing with support services for frail residents of senior apartment projects and group homes. The Division also regulates continuing-care retirement communities which provide housing and health-related services for the payment of an entrance fee and a monthly service fee.

NUTRITION & COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

The Nutrition and Community Services Division was renamed the Community Services and Nutrition Division in 1994. It resumed its original name in 1995. The Division directs the local administration of programs and services for the elderly. These include nutrition, transportation, senior information and assistance, health promotion, physical fitness, and senior center operations and construction.

SENIOR INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
Under the Nutrition and Community Services Division, Senior Information and Assistance helps older persons seeking services and benefits from public and private agencies. In each county and in Baltimore City, these offices assist the elderly in obtaining information about community services, health care, housing, income and financial aid, as well as transportation; employment and training; and legal services. The offices also refer senior citizens to these services.

SERVICES & BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR OLDER PERSONS IN MARYLAND
(Subject to Eligibility and Program Funding)

Community Services:

Senior Citizens Centers and Clubs
Daily Meals
Volunteer Opportunities
BOSS (computerized benefits eligibility check)

Frail Elderly:

Senior Assisted-Housing
Adult Day Care and Home Care
Nursing-Home Care
Needs Assessment

Health:

Geriatric Evaluation Services
Medicare and Medigap Insurance Counseling
Pharmacy Assistance
Nursing-Home Information and Complaints
Medicaid
Adult Day Care
Respite Care

Housing:

Low-Cost Housing
Tax Credit for Home Owners and Renters
Weatherization and Home Repair
Energy Assistance
Continuing Care
Home Equity Conversion

Income & Financial Aid:

Social Security
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Food Stamps
Unemployment Insurance
Tax Advice and Preparation
Discount Cards
Veterans Benefits
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)

Other:

Transportation
Employment and Training
Legal Services
Protective Services & Guardianship
Physical Fitness
Education
Counseling

PLANNING & OPERATIONS DIVISION

The Planning and Operations Division began as the Planning and Evaluation Division. It was reorganized as the Planning and Intergovernmental Affairs Division in 1993 and resumed its original name in 1995. The Management Division merged with the Planning and Evaluation Division to form the Planning and Operations Division in 1997.

The Division is responsible for financial management, procurement, general administration, program evaluation, review of the local area agency on aging plans, research, and staff development. The Division also administers the Senior Community-Service Employment Program. The Program arranges part-time paid employment for older persons who wish to improve their job skills or learn new skills.