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Click on any of the links below.
Statewide Senior Legal Hotlines web site
Senior Information and Assistance Local Offices
General Eligibility Requirements for Selected Government Financial Benefits.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services
Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program
Making Health Care Decisions for Others
In lieu of a suitable guardian, the Secretary of the Department of Aging or the Director of a local Area Agency on Aging may be appointed as a public guardian for persons ages 65 and older who have been declared by the Courts to be incapable of making their own decisions.
Guardians may be required to determine appropriate living arrangements, oversee the provision of services or consent to medical treatment for persons under their guardianship.
For more information or to speak with a Public Guardian in your area, you may contact any of the Local Area Agencies on Aging throughout Maryland.
How may we help you? Click on any of the links below.
"A Guide to Adult Guardianship and Guardianship Alternatives in Maryland" Handbook
1-800-917-PREVENT
1-800-917-7383
Visit the Department of Human Resources website at:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/oas/protect.htm
The Maryland Long Term Care Ombudsman Program helps residents in long term care facilities maintain their legal rights, control over their own lives, and personal dignity. Long term care facilities include nursing homes and assisted living communities.
Major Responsibilities of the Ombudsman Program
The Ombudsman Program is authorized by the Older Americans Act and Maryland law. In Maryland, Federal, State and local governments fund program operations in 19 regional offices covering all of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City. Ombudsman Program Coordinators act as advocates for residents. In many jurisdictions, they also recruit, train and supervise volunteers who carry out the goals of the program.
Anyone may contact the Ombudsman
The Ombudsman is required to keep any information provided confidential.
There is absolutely no charge for the services of the Ombudsman program.
The State and local Ombudsman’s office can be reached Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Senior Information and Assistance is a statewide program that provides a single point of entry into the aging network and offers convenient access to information on services and benefits for older persons, their families and caregivers. This includes, but is not limited to information on transportation, income and financial aid, senior citizens centers and clubs, daily meals, pharmacy assistance, housing, volunteer opportunities, and more!
There are 120 local Senior Information and Assistance offices throughout the state. The friendly, trained staff at each office can also provide assistance in determining need for services and make referrals to appropriate agencies and offer case management/coordination for persons requiring ongoing services.
For inquiries or assistance at any time, please contact the office nearest you or call the Maryland Department of Aging at 1-800-243-3425, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Click here for a listing of Senior Information and Assistance offices
The Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) meets one of the most universal needs of Medicare beneficiaries, including those under 65 years of age — understanding their health insurance benefits, bills and rights. The Maryland SHIP program provides trained staff and volunteer counselors in all 24 counties. Counselors provide in-person and telephone assistance in the following general areas:
The Maryland Department of Aging receives funding for this program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the State of Maryland and local governments. SHIP counseling services are confidential and free of charge.
Maryland Senior Medicare Patrol
Most SHIP offices are open Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Contact a local SHIP Office:
Senior Legal Assistance provides legal advice, counseling and representation to older Marylanders. The Area Agencies on Aging contract with local attorneys for service. Priority is given to issues involving the following: