As of 2021, nearly 100,000 Anne Arundel County residents were 65 years old or older. To serve this large population, approximately 17% of all residents, the county hosts a number of accessible classes, services and events through its senior activity centers and nutrition sites.
The following is an overview of some of the programs offered. For a more detailed look at what’s available, visit www.aacounty.org/aging or call 410-222-4257 for information about services and programs.
Advertisement
A directory for older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers is published online annually or get a free, printed copy at the department’s two office sites, senior activity centers, libraries, hospitals and other county sites.
Department of Aging and Disabilities South is on the fourth floor of The Heritage Complex, 2666 Riva Road, in Annapolis. Department of Aging and Disabilities North is in the Harry Hein Public Service Building at 7320 Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie. Both facilities can be reached at 410-222-4257.
Advertisement
Senior Activity Centers and Nutrition Sites: Senior activity centers provide educational programs, recreational activities, seminars, and classes. Here, you can also find social events, bus trips, picnics, card-playing and entertainment.
Each of the seven senior centers in Anne Arundel County publishes a monthly newsletter and calendar providing specific information, times and dates of events and programs. Membership to senior activity centers is free and available to residents aged 55 and older. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, except holidays.
Nutrition sites throughout the county provide nutritious meals for adults age 60 and older. Days and times of operation vary. Six sites are at the county’s senior centers. For more information and to sign up, call 410-222-0256.
- Annapolis Senior Activity Center, 119 S. Villa Ave., Annapolis. 410-222-1818, annapoliscenter@aacounty.org.
- Arnold Senior Activity Center, 44 Church Road, Arnold. 410-222-1922, arnoldcenter@aacounty.org.
- Brooklyn Park Senior Activity Center, 202 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park. 410-222-6847, bpcenter@aacounty.org.
- O’Malley Senior Activity Center & Annex, 1275 Odenton Road, Odenton. 410-222-0140, 410-222-6227, omalleycenter@aacounty.org.
- Pasadena Senior Activity Center, 4103 Mountain Road, Pasadena. 410-222-0030, pasadenacenter@aacounty.org.
- Pascal Senior Activity Center, 125 Dorsey Road, Glen Burnie. 410-222-6680, pascalcenter@aacounty.org.
- South County Senior Activity Center, 27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater. 410-222-1927, southcenter@aacounty.org.
Selected programs offered through the Department of Aging and Disabilities:
Maryland Access Point (MAP): Maryland Access Point offers older adults, adults with disabilities and their relatives or caregivers in Anne Arundel County.
Adult Evaluation and Review Service: Provides comprehensive nursing and psycho-social evaluation and makes referrals to appropriate services to assist functionally challenged and chronically ill adults 18 years of age and older to function as independently as possible.
Aging & Disabilities Legal and Financial Aid: The Law Project can provide free legal assistance, advice and representation on issues including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, pension benefits, unemployment, housing, credit and other civil matters. Services are free although contributions are welcome.
Advertisement
Adult Public Guardianship: Provides court-ordered guardianship services to residents 65 and older with a physical or mental disability who have no family or friends to assume responsibility for medical and personal decisions.
Americans with Disabilities Act Office: Coordinates and serves as a resource for Anne Arundel County government programs and facilities to ensure accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which became law in 1990.
Caregiver Support Group: Caregivers for the elderly or disabled can meet twice monthly virtually to share advice and provide support. Anyone interested in signing up can contact 410-222-4375 or email at caregiver_support@aacounty.org.
Community Support Groups: See the official link for a list of support groups throughout Anne Arundel County: https://bit.ly/2l7wf1g.
Health Insurance Counseling (SHIP, State Health Insurance Assistance Program): Provides health insurance assistance and information to Medicare-eligible persons and their families.
Home and Community Based Options Waiver: The waiver allows services for adults 18+ that are typically covered by Medicaid only in long-term care facilities to be provided to eligible persons in their own homes or in assisted-living facilities. For more information call (410) 222-4366.
Advertisement
Home Delivered Meals: Meals are delivered twice per week to home-bound people, including seniors who are unable to shop or cook for themselves. Meal deliveries are free to senior nutrition program participants.
Housing Assistance: Provides monitoring and offers technical assistance to assisted-living facilities. The program administers a subsidy to financially and functionally eligible residents in these facilities.
In-Home Aide Services: A statewide program that provides assistance from home aides who can help with personal care, chores and respite services for frail elderly adults and clients age 18 and older who have disabilities.
Long-Term Care Bureau: Delivers a range of services like long-term care case management, payment for some services depending on eligibility, spiritual care, bereavement and more. For more information call (410) 222-4366.
National Family Caregiver Support Program: Provides services and support to caregivers caring for loved ones age 60 or older and grandparents and relative caregivers age 55 and older who have responsibility for children younger than age 18. More information can be found at: aacounty.org.
Ombudsman Program (Resident Advocate): Receives and resolves complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities. Advocates for residents’ rights and quality care. It educates the public on long-term care facilities and services, protects the identity of residents and individuals who make complaints and promotes volunteer opportunities.
Advertisement
People and Animals Who Serve (PAWS): A program that matches single individuals, parents and their small children, and/or people with pets to visit residents of nursing homes and assisted-living sites in our community.
Respite Care Referral Program: Maintains a registry of screened and trained self-employed home care workers to provide assistance to the elderly, ill, frail or those with disabilities in their homes. There is no charge for the referral service. Call (410) 222-4377.
Living Well Series: Offers workshops on how to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Workshops are held at various senior activity centers around the county and are offered at no cost. Sign up at aacounty.org.
Senior Center Plus: Provides specialized activities for adults who are age 55 and older in all of the county’s senior centers. Special staff is available to a small group of seniors who may have impairments, but do not require medical intervention, to help them maneuver the busy center environment. The service costs $20 per day.
Congregate Meal Program: This program provides a lunch to seniors and some with disabilities, five days a week. Participants are not charged for the meals though donations are accepted to help offset the cost. Reservations a week in advance are required. Those under 60 years of age must pay full price for the meal.
Advertisement
Senior Farmers Market: Coupons are available to low-income seniors enrolled in certain federal and state programs to be used at authorized farmers markets and with authorized farmers.
Senior Medicare Patrol: A grant-funded project to combat fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid, program provides public education to increase senior awareness of health care fraud issues. One-on-one assistance is available.
Telephone Reassurance: Provides daily phone calls at a specific time of day to seniors who may be frail, isolated or living alone.
