State Profile: Maryland
Welcome to the Maryland State Profile Page! This page features a sample of survey and research results from a comprehensive review of state and local home modification activities across the country. It has a special focus on the aging population and the efforts of State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, and Native American aging service programs that are funded by the Older Americans Act Title VI Grants for Indian Tribal Organizations.
Check back as new updates will be posted periodically! Have any changes or additions? Please contact homemods@usc.edu
SPOTLIGHT ON STATE LEVEL HOME MODIFICATION ACTIVITIES
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey
STATE OF MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGING (State Unit on Aging)
State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities.
1
Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver
The Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver provides services in the community as an alternative to receiving services in an institutional setting. Supportive services include career exploration, respite care services, assistive technology and services, behavioral support services, community development services, community living-enhanced supports, and environmental assessments and modifications.
2
Home and Community-Based Options Waiver for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
This Medicaid Waiver provides community services and supports to help older adults and people with disabilities live at home through assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. Environmental assessments and home adaptations are included.
3
Maryland Department of Disability’s Assistive Technology Program (MDTAP)
The State Assistive Technology Grant Program, funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, supports comprehensive, statewide programs in each state that improve the provision of assistive technology (often home modification-related) to individuals with disabilities of all ages.
4
Home Modifications Directory For Maryland
The Home Modifications Resource Guide is a publication of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP).
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL HOME MODIFICATION EFFORTS
This section shares information that demonstrates the need for home modification in this state and highlights some of the state's important home modification efforts, policies, and funding sources.
This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”
1
Community Living Program: Home Modification and Repair Program
The Home Modification and Repair Program of the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence promotes safety and well-being for older adults in Howard County. The program enables a group of professional partners to provide consultation, along with home modification, repair, and retrofit services to qualified residents who want to remain in their own homes. Many services are offered free or at a reduced cost. Special features include a free consultation with an Occupational Therapist and/or Occupational Therapy student and a free home safety assessment and provision of durable medical equipment for those who qualify financially and functionally. Funding sources for this program include Older Americans Act Title IIIB and Local General and Millage Funds. Services provided include: minor home modifications (e.g., grab bars, raised toilet seats, handheld showers, handrails, lever door handles, lighting, improvements to doorways or other access areas, exterior work); home assessments; raising consumer and/or professional awareness; and partnering with state or local non-profit home modification programs (e.g., Rebuilding Together, Habitat for Humanity).
2
Livable Homes Tax Credit Program
The Livable Homes Tax Credit Program is available to Howard County Residents who are owners of real estate property. These residents are eligible to apply for credit for approved modifications to their homes. Examples of approved modifications include ramps, stair glides, and modifications to doorways and bathrooms. The amount of the credit is equal to 100% of the eligible cost or $2,500, whichever is less. Applications must be submitted by April 1st. For additional information, visit the website www.howardcountymd.gov and review the Livable Homes Tax Credit FAQ.
3
Conciliation Housing Accessibility Modification Program (CHAMP) and Housing Accessibility Modification Program (HAMP)
The Baltimore County Department of Planning administers two funding programs to provide financial assistance so that people with disabilities may modify their units. Home modifications address the needs of a person with a disability living in a rental unit and using a voucher. Modifications may include installation of railings or ramps, bathtub inserts, alert systems, different flooring or other structural modifications. To be eligible, a family member must have a disability, have a one-year lease for a rental unit in Baltimore County, and meet certain income guidelines.
4
Home Repair/CDBG and Ramps Program
The non-profit Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc., an Area Agency on Aging, serves the Washington County community by helping older adults, people with disabilities regardless of age, and caregivers with programs such as the Home Repair/CDBG and Ramps Program. This program assists eligible homeowners within Hagerstown city limits with necessary maintenance and repairs such as minor home modifications (e.g., grab bars, raised toilet seats, handheld showers, handrails, lever door handles); major home modifications (e.g., remodel bathrooms, adjust counter/cabinet heights, ramps, elevator/platform or chair lifts, widen doorways, roll-in showers); and repairs (e.g., roofing, electrical, carpeting/floors, stair repairs). It is funded with Community Development Block Grants.