Resources for Howard County Seniors
Making decisions about your home, your future, and a possible move can involve much more than real estate.
You may need help deciding what to keep, preparing your home for sale, understanding senior living options, finding someone to make repairs, or simply figuring out where to begin.
You don't have to find all of those answers on your own.
This page brings together helpful Howard County resources for older adults and their families, along with information that can make planning your next chapter a little easier.
A Great Place to Start: Maryland Access Point
If you're not sure which type of help you need, Maryland Access Point of Howard County (MAP) is an excellent first call.
MAP serves Howard County residents age 50 and older, adults with disabilities, family members and caregivers. Its specialists can help people navigate benefits, housing, supportive services and other aging-related resources.
Phone: 410-313-1234
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/MAP
Downsizing & Decluttering
For many longtime homeowners, the hardest part of moving isn't selling the house. It's deciding what to do with everything inside it.
My advice: don't try to empty a 30-year home in a weekend. Breaking the process into manageable decisions is usually much easier.
Where Can All the Stuff Go?
Not everything needs to go into a dumpster.
Howard County's Know Before You Throw program has information about donating, recycling, reusing or properly disposing of household items, including furniture, appliances and many of the unusual things people uncover while cleaning out a longtime home.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/bureau-environmental-services/recycling/know-before-you-throw
The Habitat for Humanity Columbia ReStore, located at 9525 Berger Road in Columbia, accepts various gently used furniture, appliances, cabinets, tools, lighting and home-improvement items. Because acceptance can vary, check with the ReStore before loading your car or arranging a large donation.
Website: https://www.habitatchesapeake.org/columbia-restore/
Aging in Place
Moving isn't always the right answer.
Howard County has services specifically designed to help older residents remain safely and independently in their homes. The Office on Aging & Independence provides information about in-home care, caregiver services, transportation, adult day programs and other community supports.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/aging-independence/aging-place
The county's Community Living Program can provide qualifying Howard County residents age 62 and older with lower-cost home modifications designed to improve safety and accessibility. Examples may include grab bars and railings, ramps, bathroom modifications and fall-prevention improvements. Eligibility requirements apply.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/CLP
For larger home repairs, Howard County's ReinvestRenovateRestore (RRR) program offers rehabilitation financing for eligible homeowners. Potential projects include HVAC, electrical and plumbing work, roofs, windows and doors, as well as certain accessibility modifications. Eligibility requirements apply.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/DHCD-RRR
Howard County Loan Closet
The Loan Closet of Howard County provides durable medical equipment at no cost to Howard County residents, regardless of age, when program requirements are met.
Equipment may include items such as wheelchairs, walkers, tub-transfer benches and bedside commodes. A healthcare-provider referral is required for equipment distribution. The Loan Closet also accepts donations of eligible medical equipment.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/disability-services/loan-closet-howard-county
Exploring Your Housing Options
If staying in your current home no longer makes sense, there are many possibilities besides simply buying a smaller house.
Depending on your needs and lifestyle, you might consider:
• A smaller single-family home
• A condominium
• A villa or townhome
• A 55+ community
• An apartment
• An independent living community
• An assisted living community
• A Life Plan or Continuing Care Retirement Community
Howard County provides information about senior housing options, including 55+ communities, independent living, subsidized senior housing, assisted living and other levels of care.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/aging-independence/housing-resources
The right choice isn't simply about the house. Location, accessibility, maintenance, monthly expenses, proximity to family, amenities and social opportunities can all be part of the decision.
Transportation
Giving up driving doesn't necessarily mean giving up independence.
Howard County provides information about public transportation, paratransit and other specialized transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/aging-independence/transport-resources
Neighbor Ride is a Howard County nonprofit that provides volunteer-based transportation for county residents age 60 and older. Rides can be used for medical appointments, shopping, social activities and other needs. Advance scheduling and other requirements apply.
Phone: 410-884-7433
Website: https://neighborride.org/
Howard County 50+ Centers
Howard County operates six 50+ Centers offering exercise and fitness programs, classes, educational programs, social activities, volunteer opportunities and other ways to stay active and connected.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/50Center
These centers are worth knowing about even before you're thinking about a move. They're an excellent way to stay connected, active and involved in the community.
Medicare & Benefits Help
Medicare can be confusing, particularly when you're comparing Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, prescription-drug plans and Medigap coverage.
Howard County's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained staff and certified counselors.
Phone: 410-313-7392
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/SHIP
Property Tax Credits for Older Homeowners
Howard County offers property-tax credits that some older homeowners may qualify for, including programs specifically designed for seniors and longtime homeowners.
Eligibility requirements, income limits, application deadlines and available programs can change, so always check the county's current information.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credits
Resources for Family Caregivers
Sometimes the person looking for help isn't the older homeowner — it's an adult son, daughter, spouse or other caregiver.
Howard County's caregiver programs include information and referrals, individual counseling, support groups, caregiver education and, for eligible families, respite and other support services.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/caregivers
The county also provides dementia-related resources, support groups and programs for people with cognitive impairment and their caregivers.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/dementia
Additional Support for Older Adults
For eligible Howard County residents, the Supporting Older Adults with Resources (SOAR) program may provide assessment, case management, coordination of services and limited funding for needed services, depending upon eligibility and available funding.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/soar
The Office on Aging & Independence also offers emotional-wellness resources, including peer support, bereavement information and other programs.
Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/aging-independence/emotional-wellness-resources
Trusted Local Professionals
A move after many years in the same home can involve far more than a real estate transaction.
Depending on your situation, you may need:
• An organizer or Senior Move Manager
• An estate-sale professional
• A mover
• A contractor or handyman
• A painter
• A cleaner
• A landscaper
• An attorney
• A financial professional
• Other specialists
Over the years, I've developed relationships with local professionals in many of these areas. I'm happy to help you identify the type of help you need and, when appropriate, share local resources.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
That's completely fine.
You don't need to have your house ready to sell. You don't need to know where you're moving. And you don't need to have all the answers.
We can start with a conversation about where you are now, what you're considering, and what would make life easier.
Sometimes the most helpful first step is simply figuring out what the next step should be.
