Written & Reviewed by
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Checked through April 30, 2026. Phone numbers, staff, waitlists, and service rules can change. Call Maryland Access Point or your county office before you rely on a detail.
Bottom line: Maryland Area Agencies on Aging help older adults, adults with disabilities, caregivers, and families find local support. They can help with meals, rides, Medicare counseling, caregiver help, senior centers, legal referrals, in-home support, and long-term care options. The easiest first call is Maryland Access Point at 1-844-627-5465.
Contents
- Urgent help
- Best first call
- Maryland aging facts
- AAA directory
- What AAAs help with
- What to ask
- Regional tips
- What to gather
- Official resources
- Spanish summary
- FAQs
Urgent help in Maryland
If someone is in danger now, call 911. Do not wait for an aging office to open if there is violence, a medical emergency, unsafe heat or cold, or a person left without food, medicine, or care.
For abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult in the community, call Adult Protective Services through the statewide line at 1-800-332-6347. The APS report page explains when to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
For food, shelter, rent, utility, transportation, or local crisis help, call 2-1-1. The 211 aging page also points Maryland residents to aging and disability resources.
For aging services that are important but not life-threatening, call Maryland Access Point at 1-844-627-5465. The MAP page says MAP helps older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and families connect with long-term services and supports.
Best first call for most Maryland seniors
If you do not know which office to call, start with Maryland Access Point. MAP can route you to the correct county office and can help you think through services before you fill out forms.
| Need | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Not sure where to start | Call MAP at 1-844-627-5465. | Have your county, age, main need, and phone number ready. |
| Meals or food help | Ask for home meals, dining sites, SNAP help, or food pantry options. | Home-delivered meals may have a waitlist or health screening. |
| Medicare questions | Ask for SHIP Medicare counseling in your county. | SHIP is counseling. It does not sell insurance. |
| Caregiver stress | Ask about caregiver support, respite, and dementia help. | Respite funds are limited and may not be fast. |
| In-home support | Ask about Senior Care, Medicaid options, and local case management. | Some help depends on disability, care needs, income, and funding. |
| Facility complaint | Ask for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. | If there is immediate danger, call 911 first. |
If you are also applying for benefits online, the portal guide can help you avoid the wrong website while you use official portals.
Maryland aging facts that matter
Maryland has more than 6.2 million residents. The U.S. Census Bureau lists 17.6% of Maryland residents as age 65 or older. That means many counties have rising demand for meals, transportation, caregiver support, senior housing, and home care.
The same Census page lists a median gross rent of $1,705 and a median owner home value above $419,000 for the 2020-2024 period. For many older adults on fixed income, local help can matter as much as state benefits. Use the Census facts page only as a broad state snapshot, then call your county office for local options.
Maryland’s Department of Aging says the state has a statewide network of 19 Area Agencies on Aging. Maryland also has 23 counties plus Baltimore City. Some AAA offices serve one county, while Upper Shore Aging and MAC serve more than one county. That is why the table below is organized by county or Baltimore City.
Maryland Area Agencies on Aging directory
Maryland’s official AAA page says each county and Baltimore City designates an Area Agency on Aging. The state’s full AAA list gives the current agency names and main office information.
| County or city | Local AAA or MAP office | Main phone to try first |
|---|---|---|
| Allegany | Human Resources Development Commission | 301-783-1752 |
| Anne Arundel | Department of Aging and Disabilities | 410-222-4257 |
| Baltimore City | Division of Aging and Care Services | 410-396-2273 |
| Baltimore County | Department of Aging | 410-887-2594 |
| Calvert | Office on Aging | 410-535-4606 |
| Caroline | Upper Shore Aging | 410-479-2535 |
| Carroll | Bureau of Aging and Disabilities | 410-386-3800 |
| Cecil | Department of Community Services | 410-996-5295, option 1 |
| Charles | Aging and Human Services | 301-934-0103 |
| Dorchester | MAC, Inc. | 410-221-1930 |
| Frederick | Division of Aging and Independence | 301-600-1234 |
| Garrett | Area Agency on Aging | 301-334-9431 |
| Harford | Office on Aging | 410-638-3025 |
| Howard | Office on Aging and Independence | 410-313-1234 |
| Kent | Upper Shore Aging | 410-778-2564 |
| Montgomery | Health and Human Services | 240-777-3000 |
| Prince George’s | Department of Family Services | 301-265-8450 |
| Queen Anne’s | Area Agency on Aging | 410-758-0848 |
| Somerset | MAC, Inc. | 410-651-3400 |
| St. Mary’s | Department of Aging and Human Services | 301-475-4200 ext. 1057 |
| Talbot | Upper Shore Aging | 410-822-2869 |
| Washington | Commission on Aging | 301-790-0275 |
| Wicomico | MAC, Inc. | 410-742-0505 |
| Worcester | MAC, Inc. | 410-632-9915 |
Use the phone number above when you know your county. Use 1-844-627-5465 when you are calling for another person, you are not sure which county office fits, or you need a statewide handoff.
What Maryland AAAs can help with
Maryland AAAs do not give cash to everyone who calls. They help people find programs, screen for services, make referrals, and connect with local providers. Some services are free. Some ask for a donation. Some have income rules, care-need rules, or waitlists.
| Service area | What it can help with | Where to apply | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information and referral | Finding the right aging, disability, food, housing, or care office. | Call MAP or your local AAA. | You may be referred to another county or state office. |
| Meals | Home meals, dining sites, nutrition counseling, and farmers market help. | Ask your AAA or use MAP. | Delivery can depend on need, route, and funding. |
| Medicare counseling | Plan review, bills, appeals, fraud questions, and savings programs. | Ask for SHIP. | SHIP does not sell plans or choose for you. |
| Caregiver support | Respite, support groups, training, and help for grandparents raising children. | Ask your local AAA. | Funds may be limited or not immediate. |
| In-home care | Case management, personal care, chores, meals, equipment, and emergency response. | Ask about Senior Care and Medicaid paths. | Eligibility may depend on age, disability, income, assets, and care needs. |
| Facility rights | Help with nursing home and assisted living complaints. | Ask for the ombudsman. | The resident’s wishes guide the ombudsman when possible. |
Meals and nutrition
What it helps with: Maryland nutrition programs can include home-delivered meals, congregate dining, and farmers market help. The nutrition page says Area Agencies on Aging and partners provide these services across the state.
Who may qualify: Older adults who need meals, have trouble shopping or cooking, or want a meal site may be helped. Some food programs use income rules. Others focus on age, location, and need.
Where to apply: Call your county office or MAP. Ask for home-delivered meals, dining sites, food pantry help, and SNAP screening.
Reality check: A meal program can be full even when you qualify. Ask if there is a waitlist and what food options are available while you wait.
Medicare counseling
What it helps with: SHIP helps Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers compare plans, understand costs, review bills, ask about appeals, and check for financial help. The SHIP page says counselors are trained and available in every county and Baltimore City.
Who may qualify: People with Medicare, people becoming eligible for Medicare, family helpers, and caregivers can ask for help.
Where to apply: Call your local AAA, MAP, or the state number at 410-767-1100 and ask for SHIP.
Reality check: Open enrollment is busy. Call early if you need plan help before a deadline. Bring your drug list and Medicare card.
Caregiver support
What it helps with: Caregiver programs can help with information, counseling, respite, training, and support for grandparents raising grandchildren. The caregiver page describes Maryland’s caregiver support system.
Who may qualify: Spouses, adult children, relatives, friends, and grandparents may be helped depending on the program and county rules.
Where to apply: Call your AAA and say you are a caregiver. Ask about respite, support groups, dementia support, and caregiver training.
Reality check: Respite help may not be available right away. Ask if the county has a waiting list, a short-term grant, or another provider.
In-home support and Senior Care
What it helps with: Senior Care can provide case management and support services for Maryland residents age 65 or older who are at risk of nursing home placement. The Senior Care page lists possible help such as personal care, chores, medications, medical supplies, adult day care, respite, meals, transportation, and emergency response systems.
Who may qualify: Maryland says Senior Care case management is for people age 65 or older who are severely or moderately disabled and live in the county where services are received. Gap-filling funds have more rules.
Where to apply: Call MAP or your local AAA and ask for Senior Care screening. If Medicaid may apply, ask whether the county can also explain Medicaid home and community options.
Reality check: This is not a promise of full-time home care. The office may need a screen, an assessment, proof of income, proof of assets, and a care plan.
Legal help and ombudsman support
What it helps with: Senior legal help can support older adults with civil legal issues. Ombudsmen help residents of nursing homes and assisted living homes with rights, care concerns, and complaints.
Who may qualify: Legal help is focused on older Marylanders. Ombudsman help is for residents of nursing homes and assisted living homes, and for people acting on their behalf.
Where to apply: Ask your AAA for senior legal help, or use the legal aid page for state program details. If the issue is a facility, use the Ombudsman page to reach the right program.
Reality check: Legal and ombudsman services are not the same as emergency police help. Call 911 first if someone is in immediate danger.
Daily check-ins and medical equipment
Maryland has a Senior Call Check service for residents age 60 or older. The Senior Call Check page says the program can place a daily call or text during a chosen time block and alert an alternate contact if the person does not answer.
Maryland also has a durable medical equipment reuse program. The DME Reuse page says the state provides free durable medical equipment to Marylanders with an illness, injury, or disability, regardless of age.
These programs can be useful when a senior lives alone or needs equipment such as a walker, shower chair, wheelchair, or other safety item. Ask MAP if these programs fit your situation.
Phone scripts for Maryland AAA calls
Keep the call short. Say the need first. Ask for the exact next step. Write down the worker’s name, date, and any case number.
Calling MAP for the first time
“Hello, I am calling for myself or for an older adult in [county]. The main problem is [meals, rides, home care, Medicare, caregiver stress, housing, or safety]. Can you connect me to the right local aging office and tell me what to ask for first?”
Calling about home-delivered meals
“Hello, I am [age] and live in [county]. I have trouble shopping or cooking because [reason]. Can you screen me for home-delivered meals, meal sites, SNAP help, and any waitlist options?”
Calling about a caregiver break
“Hello, I care for [parent, spouse, relative, or friend] who is [age]. I need help with respite, training, or support groups. What caregiver programs does this county have, and what papers do you need?”
Calling about a facility concern
“Hello, I am calling about a resident in [nursing home or assisted living name]. The concern is [brief issue]. Can I speak with the local ombudsman or learn how to file a complaint?”
Regional and local tips
Baltimore area: Baltimore City and Baltimore County have separate aging offices. Use the right office based on where the person lives, not where the caregiver lives.
Washington suburbs: Montgomery County and Prince George’s County may have strong local services, but demand can be high. Ask about language help, senior centers, rides, and caregiver support.
Eastern Shore: Upper Shore Aging serves Caroline, Kent, and Talbot. MAC serves Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester. Ask about transportation timing because long travel distances can limit appointments.
Western Maryland: Allegany, Garrett, Washington, and Frederick residents should ask about rural transportation, home meals, and home repair referrals early. Service areas can be wide.
Southern Maryland: Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s residents should ask about local senior centers, caregiver help, and transportation. Military families may also need veteran referrals.
What to gather before you call
| Bring or write down | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Name, age, county, address, and phone number | The office needs to route you to the right county and program. |
| Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance cards | SHIP, care programs, and medical referrals may need coverage details. |
| Income papers | Some programs use income rules or sliding fees. |
| List of medicines and doctors | This helps with Medicare counseling, care planning, and ride needs. |
| Care needs list | Write bathing, dressing, meals, memory, falls, and mobility needs. |
| Urgent notices | Bring shutoff notices, eviction papers, discharge plans, or facility letters. |
For a wider benefits path, the Maryland benefits guide can help you sort state programs before or after you call your AAA.
Official resources
- Use Maryland Access Point to search for aging, disability, caregiver, and long-term support resources.
- Use the MDoA contact page when you need state contact details for Maryland Department of Aging.
- Use the programs page to review MDoA programs before calling your local office.
- Use 211 Maryland when the need is food, rent, shelter, utility help, or a local crisis referral.
Related GrantsForSeniors.org guides
- senior centers guide for Maryland activity, meal, and referral locations.
- Medicare Savings guide for help understanding premium help terms.
- SNAP guide for grocery benefit basics before you apply.
- caregiver guide for grandparents and family caregivers who need support.
- housing guide for rent, vouchers, and senior housing paths in Maryland.
- home care guide for care-at-home options and questions to ask.
Resumen en español
Las Agencias del Área sobre el Envejecimiento en Maryland ayudan a personas mayores, adultos con discapacidades, cuidadores y familias. Pueden orientar sobre comidas, transporte, Medicare, apoyo para cuidadores, centros de personas mayores, ayuda legal, servicios en el hogar y quejas sobre hogares de cuidado.
Si hay peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Para abuso, negligencia o explotación de un adulto vulnerable, llame al 1-800-332-6347. Para comida, renta, servicios públicos o ayuda local urgente, llame al 2-1-1. Para servicios de envejecimiento, llame a Maryland Access Point al 1-844-627-5465.
Antes de llamar, tenga listo el condado, edad, dirección, teléfono, seguro médico, ingresos, medicinas y la razón principal por la que necesita ayuda. Las reglas y listas de espera pueden cambiar, así que confirme todo con la oficina oficial.
FAQs
What is the first number to call for aging help in Maryland?
Call Maryland Access Point at 1-844-627-5465. MAP can connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging and other long-term support resources.
How many Area Agencies on Aging does Maryland have?
Maryland has a statewide network of 19 Area Agencies on Aging. The network serves all 23 counties and Baltimore City, and some agencies serve more than one county.
Do Maryland AAAs give cash grants to seniors?
Usually no. AAAs mainly connect people with services, referrals, counseling, care planning, meals, caregiver support, and local programs. Some programs may pay a provider or service if the person qualifies.
Can a caregiver call the AAA for a parent?
Yes. Caregivers and family members can call MAP or the local AAA. The office may still need permission from the older adult before sharing private case details.
What if my county office has a waitlist?
Ask to be placed on the waitlist, then ask what to do while waiting. Also ask about 2-1-1, food resources, transportation options, caregiver support, and nearby nonprofit referrals.
Who handles nursing home or assisted living complaints?
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman helps residents of nursing homes and assisted living homes with care concerns and rights issues. Call 911 first if there is immediate danger.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Next review: August 1, 2026
About this guide
We check this guide against official government, local agency, and trusted nonprofit sources. GrantsForSeniors.org is independent and is not a government agency.
Program rules, funding, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply.
See something wrong or outdated? Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections.
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