Area Agency on Aging Maryland: Caregiver Support and Senior Services

You've been managing your parent's hospital discharge, coordinating home care, and handling insurance paperwork for weeks. The fatigue is real. Maryland's Area Agencies on Aging run the Family Caregiver Support Program specifically for people in your position — and most families don't know it exists.

What Area Agencies on Aging Actually Do

Maryland has 20 local Area Agencies on Aging operating through county departments of aging and senior services. These agencies serve as the frontline delivery system for federally funded Older Americans Act programs. They work in partnership with Maryland Access Point (MAP) to connect families with services.

For family caregivers managing a parent's care after a hospital discharge, the AAAs offer:

• Caregiver training on managing medications, safe patient transfers, wound care, and using medical equipment
• Respite care — temporary relief so you can take a break while a trained worker stays with your parent
• Counseling and support groups for caregiver stress and burnout
• Supplemental services like emergency supplies, assistive devices, and home modifications
• Information and assistance navigating Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care options

The Family Caregiver Support Program

The National Family Caregiver Support Program, administered through each county's AAA, provides five core services to family caregivers age 18 and older who are caring for someone age 60 or older:

1. Information about available services in your area
2. Assistance accessing services through case management
3. Individual counseling and caregiver support groups
4. Respite care to give you a break from daily caregiving duties
5. Supplemental services on a limited basis — home modifications, assistive technology, medical supplies

Services are provided at no cost or on a sliding-fee scale depending on the program and county. You don't need to meet Medicaid income requirements to use most AAA caregiver programs.

How to Connect

The fastest route is through MAP: call 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465). MAP counselors will identify your county's AAA and connect you with the appropriate caregiver support coordinator.

You can also contact your county's Department of Aging or Senior Services directly. Each AAA maintains its own local phone line and walk-in office.

When to Reach Out

Don't wait until you're in crisis. Contact your local AAA as soon as you know your parent will need ongoing care after discharge. The respite and support services take time to arrange, and getting a caregiver assessment on file early means services can start faster when you need them most.

The Maryland Hospital Discharge Guide includes a full resource directory with AAA contact information and guidance on combining caregiver support with CFC and waiver services.

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