Baltimore has many free and low-cost resources for older adults and the people who care for them. The hard part is knowing where to start. This guide brings the main ones together in one place.
Quick takeaways
- Maryland Access Point is the best first call for older adults and caregivers looking for local help.
- Baltimore City and Baltimore County each run senior centers with meals, activities and wellness programs.
- Local aging offices also offer caregiver support, transportation, meal programs and help with Medicare questions.
- Most of these services are free or low cost for eligible residents.
Maryland Access Point: your first call
Maryland Access Point (MAP) is a free service that helps older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers find the right support, including in-home help, respite, meals, transportation and long-term care options. A MAP specialist can talk through your situation and point you to the right programs.
- Baltimore City: MAP is run by the Baltimore City Health Department’s Division of Aging and Care Services. Call 410-396-2273.
- Baltimore County: MAP is part of the Baltimore County Department of Aging.
Baltimore City Division of Aging and Care Services
The Baltimore City Health Department’s Division of Aging and Care Services is the city’s local Area Agency on Aging. Its programs include:
- Senior centers for city residents age 60 and older and their spouses
- Meal and nutrition programs
- Caregiver support
- Transportation and other community-based services
- Volunteer opportunities
Baltimore County Department of Aging
For county residents, including nearby communities like Towson, the Baltimore County Department of Aging offers:
- About twenty senior centers, plus OPAL, a virtual senior center
- A Caregivers Program and dementia-friendly resources
- Nutrition programs
- CountyRide transportation
- Health and wellness programs and help with Medicare questions
- A long-term care ombudsman program
One phone call to Maryland Access Point can open the door to many kinds of help.
Regional resource directory
Baltimore City and Baltimore County publish a joint regional resource directory with hotlines, websites and program details. You can pick up a copy at a senior center, download it online or request one through Baltimore City Maryland Access Point.
Statewide resources
- Maryland Department of Aging oversees statewide programs for older adults and caregivers.
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free Medicare counseling.
- Maryland 2-1-1: dial 211 any time to be connected with local health and human services.
- Long-term care ombudsman programs advocate for people living in nursing homes and assisted living.
Related guides
For caregivers, see caregiver burnout and what is respite care? If you are exploring care, read how to choose a nursing home in Baltimore and Medicaid and nursing home care in Maryland.
Frequently asked questions
What is Maryland Access Point?
Maryland Access Point (MAP) is a free statewide service that helps older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers find long-term services and supports. In Baltimore City, MAP is run by the Baltimore City Health Department’s Division of Aging and Care Services.
How do I contact Maryland Access Point in Baltimore City?
Baltimore City’s Maryland Access Point can be reached at 410-396-2273. Baltimore County residents can connect through the Baltimore County Department of Aging.
Are there senior centers in Baltimore?
Yes. The Baltimore City Health Department operates senior centers for city residents age 60 and older and their spouses, and Baltimore County runs about twenty senior centers plus a virtual senior center.
Where can I get help with Medicare questions in Maryland?
Maryland’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling, often through local aging offices.
Is there a resource guide for Baltimore seniors?
Yes. Baltimore City and Baltimore County publish a joint regional resource directory, available at senior centers, online or by calling Baltimore City Maryland Access Point.
This article is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Coverage rules can change, so confirm details with Medicare, your plan or your care team.
