Senior Centers in Maryland

Senior Centers in Maryland: A Plain‑Language Guide (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

---

If You Need Emergency Help

• Call 911 for any life‑threatening emergency.
• Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. Learn more at the 988 Lifeline website: https://988lifeline.org/
• Call 2‑1‑1 or visit 211 Maryland for urgent help with shelter, food, mental health, or utility shutoff: https://211md.org/
• To report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an older adult, you can reach Adult Protective Services through your local social services office. If you aren’t sure who to call, the federal Eldercare Locator can connect you: 1‑800‑677‑1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov/

---

Key Takeaways

• Maryland senior centers are typically run by county Area Agencies on Aging and offer meals, classes, fitness, social activities, benefits counseling, and connections to services that help you live at home longer. See the Maryland Department of Aging: https://aging.maryland.gov/
• To find a nearby senior center, use the federal Eldercare Locator (1‑800‑677‑1116; https://eldercare.acl.gov/) or call 211 Maryland (https://211md.org/). These are trusted, no‑cost services.
• Many programs at centers are funded by the Older Americans Act. Services like congregate meals, caregiver support, and evidence‑based health classes are outlined by the Administration for Community Living (ACL): https://acl.gov/programs/older-americans-act-oaa
• Costs vary by county. Membership is often free; some classes, trips, or special events may have small fees. Meal programs may suggest a voluntary contribution rather than a required price.
• Transportation can be a barrier. Ask about county paratransit, Maryland Transit Administration’s MobilityLink in the Baltimore area (https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility), and volunteer driver programs found via Eldercare Locator.
• If you have Medicare questions, senior centers can connect you with Maryland’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling. Learn about SHIP nationally at https://www.shiphelp.org/
• Watch for realities: waitlists for popular classes, limited transportation capacity, and eligibility rules for some programs. Ask staff to help you apply and to put you on waitlists early.

---

What This Guide Covers

• What Maryland senior centers do (and don’t do)
• How to find and enroll in a center near you
• Meals, transportation, health programs, and benefits counseling
• Programs for veterans, LGBTQ+ seniors, disabled seniors, tribal communities, and rural families
• How to spot scams and stay safe
• Answers to common questions
• Trusted sources and where to go next

---

What Senior Centers in Maryland Offer

Senior centers are community hubs for older adults. Most are managed by your county’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or by the city (for example, Baltimore City). They focus on connection, health, and practical support—often in plain language with friendly staff.

Below are common services—they can vary by county and by center.

Core Services (What to Expect)

• Social and learning activities: art, music, cards, book clubs, language groups, lifelong learning classes, and volunteer opportunities.
• Fitness and fall‑prevention: balance, tai chi, walking clubs, chair yoga, strength training. Many are evidence‑based health programs supported by ACL under the Older Americans Act: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness
• Meals and nutrition: hot congregate lunches at centers; nutrition education; referrals to home‑delivered meals. Learn about the federal Nutrition Services program: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services
• Benefits counseling: help with Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Part D, Extra Help, and Medicare Savings Programs (via SHIP). National SHIP info: https://www.shiphelp.org/
• Transportation connections: county paratransit, volunteer rides, travel training for fixed routes. In the Baltimore region, see MTA MobilityLink paratransit: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility
• Caregiver support: respite options, education, support groups through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (funded by ACL): https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers
• Legal and fraud prevention referrals: Long‑Term Care Ombudsman for nursing home concerns; Senior Medicare Patrol to spot Medicare fraud: https://www.smpresource.org/
• Technology help: basic smartphone and tablet help; some centers host digital skills classes.

Table 1. What Senior Centers Usually Offer in Maryland

Official program overviews: Older Americans Act programs (ACL): https://acl.gov/programs/older-americans-act-oaa

---

How to Find a Senior Center Near You (Maryland)

Use one of these trusted directories—staff will connect you to the correct county office and nearby centers.

• Eldercare Locator (federal): 1‑800‑677‑1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov/
  Choose “Senior Centers” and enter your ZIP code.
• 211 Maryland: Dial 2‑1‑1 or visit https://211md.org/ and search “senior center.”
• Maryland Department of Aging (state): https://aging.maryland.gov/
  Use the site to find local Area Agencies on Aging and programs in your county.

Tips:

• Ask for “senior center locations and hours” and “how to register.”
• If you don’t drive, ask about transportation and qualification steps for paratransit.

---

Who Can Join, What It Costs, and How to Register

• Age: Many Maryland centers welcome adults 60+. Some “50+ centers” exist; rules vary by county.
• Residency: Centers are generally open to Maryland residents, but some activities may be limited to county residents when space is tight.
• Registration: You’ll often complete a simple form and an emergency contact sheet. For meals, you may be asked brief nutrition questions required by federal funding.
• Cost: Basic center access is often free. Classes, trips, or specialty workshops may have small fees. Meals usually suggest a voluntary contribution for those 60+ (no one is turned away for inability to pay, under OAA nutrition rules). See ACL Nutrition Services: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services

Table 2. Registration & Costs—What to Expect

---

Getting There: Transportation Options

Transportation is often the biggest barrier. Ask your center to help you plan rides.

• Paratransit: If you can’t use regular buses or trains due to disability, you may qualify for ADA paratransit. In the Baltimore region, MobilityLink serves eligible riders: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility
• County transit and volunteer drivers: Many counties run senior ride programs or partner with volunteer driver groups. Use Eldercare Locator to find local numbers: https://eldercare.acl.gov/
• Travel training: Some transit agencies teach how to ride regular buses safely and confidently.

Table 3. Transportation Pathways

---

Meals and Nutrition

• Congregate meals: Hot meals served at centers on scheduled days. Mealtime is also social time. Learn about the federal program: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services
• Home‑delivered meals: If you can’t leave home, staff can refer you to home‑delivered meal services. The Older Americans Act supports these services for eligible older adults; local partners vary.
• Nutrition education: Diet tips, label reading, and chronic disease nutrition workshops are common.

If you have low income, also ask about:

• SNAP (food benefits), administered in Maryland by the Department of Human Services. Learn about SNAP at USDA Food and Nutrition Service: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) vouchers in season. Program overview: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program

Your center or AAA can help you screen and apply.

---

Health, Wellness, and Safety Programs

• Evidence‑based classes: Many Maryland centers offer programs like Chronic Disease Self‑Management and falls prevention workshops with proven results. ACL’s health promotion overview: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness
• Vaccination clinics and screenings: Flu, COVID‑19 (as available), blood pressure checks, and more—often in partnership with local health departments.
• Falls and home safety: Ask for a home safety checklist and local home modification resources. National fall prevention info: https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html
• Heat and cold weather prep: Centers often serve as cooling or warming sites during extreme weather in coordination with county emergency management.

---

Benefits, Money, and Legal Help

• Medicare and health insurance: Free, unbiased counseling via Maryland’s SHIP program. National SHIP info and local lookup: https://www.shiphelp.org/
• Medicare fraud and billing errors: Senior Medicare Patrol helps you spot and report scams: https://www.smpresource.org/
• Long‑Term Care Ombudsman: If you or a loved one has a problem in a nursing home or assisted living, the Ombudsman program can help advocate for you. Learn about the program nationally: https://acl.gov/programs/protecting-rights-and-preventing-abuse/long-term-care-ombudsman-program
• Energy assistance: If you struggle with utility bills, ask about Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). State overview: https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/
• Social Security and Medicare official info: Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/ and Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/

Centers typically don’t sell financial products. If anyone tries to sell you insurance during a counseling session, report it to staff.

---

Digital Skills and Staying Connected

Many centers host:

• Computer labs and Wi‑Fi
• Smartphone basics workshops
• Safe browsing and scam‑avoidance classes

For additional free online classes geared to older adults, see Senior Planet from AARP: https://seniorplanet.org/ (widely used, non‑government resource).

---

Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips

• Space is limited: Popular classes fill fast. Get on waitlists and ask if classes repeat.
• Transportation capacity: Paratransit and volunteer drivers can book up quickly. Ask about booking windows (often up to 7 days ahead).
• Health and dietary needs: Tell staff about mobility aids or special diets. Not all centers can accommodate every diet, but they’ll try to help.
• Scams: Be cautious of anyone asking for your Medicare or Social Security number. Learn how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud with Senior Medicare Patrol: https://www.smpresource.org/
• Weather closures: Centers may close or operate on delays during storms or extreme heat. Ask how your center posts updates (phone message, website, or local news).

---

Special Focus: Inclusive Services

Maryland senior centers welcome all older adults. If you belong to one of the groups below, ask your center about tailored programs and safe‑space providers.

LGBTQ+ Seniors

• Ask for staff trained to serve LGBTQ+ older adults and for inclusive support groups.
• The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging (funded by ACL) offers Maryland‑relevant guides and a provider directory: https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/
• You can also use Eldercare Locator to find LGBTQ+‑friendly services: https://eldercare.acl.gov/

Veteran Seniors

• Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs can help with benefits claims and referrals: https://veterans.maryland.gov/
• Find VA medical facilities and Vet Centers: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
• Many centers host veterans coffee hours and peer support—ask your local center.

Disabled Seniors

• Maryland Department of Disabilities provides resources for accessibility, assistive tech, and employment support: https://mdod.maryland.gov/
• Ask about ADA paratransit (e.g., MobilityLink in the Baltimore area: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility) and in‑home support programs through Maryland Medicaid if needed. State Medicaid information: https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/ (program pages describe long‑term services and supports)

Tribal Communities and American Indian/Alaska Native Elders

• Maryland has state‑recognized tribes and Native communities. For state connections and cultural resources, see the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs: https://goci.maryland.gov/mcia/
• Urban Indian Health resources are supported by Indian Health Service; see IHS Urban Indian Organizations: https://www.ihs.gov/urban/
• Ask your center to connect you with culturally informed providers and events.

Rural Seniors and Families (Western MD, Southern MD, Eastern Shore)

• Transportation may be the main barrier. Ask about volunteer ride programs and coordinated trips to centers.
• Use the Eldercare Locator if local websites are hard to navigate: 1‑800‑677‑1116 or https://eldercare.acl.gov/
• Check with your library for mobile tech help or book‑by‑mail programs, and ask your center about mobile meal routes.

Table 4. Programs for Specific Groups—Quick Links

---

How to Evaluate a Senior Center (Before You Join)

Use this simple checklist:

• Hours and location: Can you get there with available transportation? Is the facility accessible (ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms)?
• Activities: Are there programs you actually want (fitness, art, tech, support groups)?
• Meals: Are meal days and times convenient? Special diet options?
• Staff and volunteers: Friendly? Knowledgeable? Do they return calls?
• Safety and emergency plans: Do they post closures and emergency procedures clearly?
• Costs: Are class and trip fees in your budget? Are fee waivers or scholarships available?
• Partnerships: Do they host SHIP counselors, legal aid, and health screenings?

---

Common Maryland Partners You May See at a Center

• Maryland Department of Aging: https://aging.maryland.gov/
• Maryland Department of Health (Medicaid/long‑term care info): https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/
• 211 Maryland: https://211md.org/
• Maryland Transit Administration (MobilityLink in Baltimore area): https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility
• Administration for Community Living (Older Americans Act programs): https://acl.gov/
• Senior Medicare Patrol: https://www.smpresource.org/
• Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/
• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/

---

Step‑by‑Step: Getting Started This Week

1. Call Eldercare Locator (1‑800‑677‑1116) or go to https://eldercare.acl.gov/ and ask for the nearest senior center and your county Area Agency on Aging.
2. Call the center to ask about hours, registration, transportation options, and this month’s activities.
3. If you have Medicare questions, ask for an appointment with a SHIP counselor (https://www.shiphelp.org/).
4. Visit the center. Bring a photo ID, emergency contact info, and any mobility or dietary details staff should know.
5. Try one fitness class and one social or learning activity. If you like it, sign up for a second session before it fills up.
6. If transportation is a challenge, begin the paratransit application or ask about volunteer driver programs right away.

---

Resources by Region (Find Your Local Providers)

Maryland senior centers are organized county‑by‑county (plus Baltimore City). The fastest way to get the correct phone number for your area is to use:

• Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov/ (enter your ZIP code and choose “Senior Centers”)
• 211 Maryland: https://211md.org/ (search “senior center” + your county)

To help you ask for the right office, here are Maryland’s common regions and counties:

• Central Maryland: Baltimore City; Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard, Harford, and Carroll Counties
• Capital Region: Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties
• Southern Maryland: Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties
• Western Maryland: Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties
• Eastern Shore: Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester Counties

Ask for: “Area Agency on Aging” or “Department of Aging” for your county, and then “senior center locations and hours.”

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What age do I need to be to use a Maryland senior center?
A: Many centers serve adults 60 and over, though some counties run “50+ centers.” Call your local center to confirm.

Q: Do I have to pay to join?
A: Basic membership is often free. Some classes, trips, or special events have small fees. Congregate meals usually suggest a voluntary contribution for those 60+ under the Older Americans Act. See ACL nutrition info: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services

Q: I don’t drive. Can I still attend?
A: Yes—ask about paratransit, volunteer rides, and scheduled group trips. For ADA paratransit in the Baltimore area, see MobilityLink: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility

Q: Can someone help me compare Medicare plans?
A: Yes. SHIP provides free, unbiased help. Use the national SHIP site to locate your local office: https://www.shiphelp.org/

Q: Do centers serve people under 60 with disabilities?
A: Some programs are age‑based, but centers can connect disabled adults to services. Ask your county AAA and the Maryland Department of Disabilities: https://mdod.maryland.gov/

Q: Are meals truly free?
A: For those 60+, congregate meals are typically funded by the Older Americans Act. A voluntary contribution is suggested to support the program, but no one is turned away if they cannot contribute. Program overview: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services

Q: What if I need help at home, not just classes?
A: Centers can refer you to home‑delivered meals, in‑home supports, caregiver programs, and Medicaid long‑term services and supports if you qualify. Start with your county AAA and Maryland Medicaid information: https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/

Q: How do I avoid scams targeting seniors?
A: Never give out your Medicare or Social Security numbers to unsolicited callers. For Medicare fraud concerns, contact Senior Medicare Patrol: https://www.smpresource.org/

Q: Do centers close in bad weather?
A: They may. Ask your center how it announces closures (phone message, website, local TV/radio). If you use paratransit, ask the transit agency how cancellations work.

Q: I’m a caregiver. Can the center help me?
A: Yes. Ask about caregiver support groups, respite resources, and education through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (ACL overview: https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers).

Q: Are there programs specifically for veterans or LGBTQ+ older adults?
A: Many centers host veteran meetups and inclusive groups. For veteran benefits, see Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs: https://veterans.maryland.gov/. For LGBTQ+ resources, see the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging: https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/

Q: Where can I find an official list of senior centers?
A: Use the federal Eldercare Locator: https://eldercare.acl.gov/ or call 1‑800‑677‑1116. Staff can provide exact locations and phone numbers for your county.

---

Quick Reference Table: Who to Call and Where to Click

Table 5. One‑Stop Directory

Note: For local phone numbers (SHIP, SMP, OHEP), use the website or Eldercare Locator to find the office that serves your ZIP code.

---

Sources and Further Reading

• Maryland Department of Aging: https://aging.maryland.gov/
• Administration for Community Living (ACL): Older Americans Act programs: https://acl.gov/programs/older-americans-act-oaa
• ACL Nutrition Services (congregate and home‑delivered meals): https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services
• Eldercare Locator (ACL): https://eldercare.acl.gov/
• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): https://www.shiphelp.org/
• Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): https://www.smpresource.org/
• Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/
• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/
• 211 Maryland: https://211md.org/
• Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP): https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/
• Maryland Department of Disabilities: https://mdod.maryland.gov/
• Maryland Transit Administration MobilityLink: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility
• CDC Falls Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/falls/index.html
• National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging: https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs locator: https://www.va.gov/find-locations
• Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs: https://goci.maryland.gov/mcia/
• Indian Health Service—Urban Indian Organizations: https://www.ihs.gov/urban/

---

Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility, hours, and costs can change. Always verify information with the relevant agency or your local senior center before you go or apply. This guide is for general information and does not replace professional advice.

---

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.