Aging
PROGRAMS
- Caregivers Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Ombudsman Program
- Senior Craft Gallery
- Transportation: CountyRide
- No Senior Eats Alone Day
- Villages of Baltimore County
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
WORK WITH US
"Energize Your Life" with the programs and activities of the Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA). Take a few moments to watch a video to learn more about the life-changing services and programs we offer.
Age-Friendly Baltimore County
After five years of innovative and forward-thinking work, Baltimore County is pleased to share our Final Report addressing priority areas, such as Transportation, Outdoor Spaces, Communication, Community Health and Housing. This Final Report is the result of countless partners who offered their expertise, energy, and enthusiasm to make the County a place where residents of all ages and abilities can work, play, and enjoy a good quality of life.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
BCDA offers a wide array of resources for keeping aging residents connected with today’s technology.
BALTIMORE COUNTY: AGE AND DEMENTIA FRIENDLY
The Age-Friendly and Dementia Friendly initiatives have aligned their efforts to ensure that persons of all ages, cultures, abilities and interests can access the resources they need to create the life they choose.
PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA
Connect with BCDA through our publications and media, including social media, our community resources directory or our "Time of Your Life" digest and TV show.
BECOME A PARTNER OR SPONSOR
BCDA offers a wide range of exciting partnership and sponsorship opportunities in order to connect businesses and nonprofits with the services our clients need and request, as well as provide target-marketing to older adults, baby boomers, caregivers, families, adults with disabilities and professionals. To learn more, call 410-887-2012.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
It is the policy of BCDA to open and fully operate its programs as scheduled. Learn about the operation status of seniors centers and CountyRide, or call 410-887-2594 to learn about the status of other BCDA programs/activities. Read more about the County's inclement weather policy.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Learn more about the following topics from these Maryland resources:
What is a Village?
Villages are grassroots, community-based organizations powered by volunteers that strengthen communities and support older community members who choose to age-in-place. Villages are not to be confused with brick-and-mortar structures but are organizations operating on the principle of “neighbors helping neighbors.”
What does a Village do?
Villages respond to the interests and needs of older community members. They provide activities and programs that minimize social isolation; create caring communities with meaningful reciprocity between those offering and those receiving assistance; build interpersonal connections, trust and social support; and foster communities of mutual assistance that offer members the opportunity to age successfully. Villages are typically funded through modest membership fees, donations, and grants.
How can you form a Village?
Villages typically form in the following way:
- A resident or two hears about the Village Model from friends, neighbors, the media or at work.
- They form an exploratory committee with neighbors who share their interest.
- The committee develops the concept, surveys the community to determine needs and community resources, and builds the foundation for the Village.
What services can a Village offer?
The services a Village decides to offer are based on the needs of the older adults in the community it serves. Some examples include:
- Transportation (appointments, shopping, Village programs, etc.)
- Home maintenance (light household support, simple repairs, etc.)
- Tech support (computer and smart phone assistance, virtual meeting instruction, etc.)
- Social (friendly visits, social programs, exercise and education programs, etc.)
- Wellness (delivering meals, medical notetaking during doctor appointments, etc.)
How can you get started?
- Baltimore County staff:
- Can help emerging Villages with logistics and by facilitating communication among local Villages
- 410-887-2880
- eabbasi@baltimorecountymd.gov
- Village to Village Network: The national membership organization for Villages offers resources and assistance for Village formation.
- Washington Area Villages Exchange: A consortium of local Villages whose members meet regularly to share ideas, resources, and support.