Maryland Department on Aging outlines initiatives for dementia care and elder abuse prevention

The HHR Committee Session held on January 30, 2025, focused on key initiatives and budgetary considerations impacting Maryland's aging population. The meeting began with an update on two significant programs established to support older adults: the Long Term Care and Dementia Care Navigation Program and the Longevity Ready Maryland initiative.

The Long Term Care and Dementia Care Navigation Program, created by legislation in 2023, aims to assist individuals living with dementia. The program has a funding mandate of $2.4 million; however, this amount was reduced by $1.2 million for fiscal year 2025 by the Board of Public Works. The fiscal year 2026 budget also includes a similar reduction, contingent upon the passage of the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025. The Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA) has submitted an annual report detailing the program's vision, goals, and organizational structure, which includes seven established goals and progress updates.

The Longevity Ready Maryland initiative, launched by Executive Order in January 2024, requires MDOA to develop a comprehensive plan for systems transformation over the next decade. The department plans to present the final plan and recommendations to the governor and the General Assembly in July 2025. Activities related to this initiative include forming work groups to address priority areas and developing a data dashboard, which is expected to launch its final version in July 2025.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the Task Force on Preventing and Countering Elder Abuse, established by legislation in 2023. The task force conducted a review of issues related to the abuse and exploitation of older adults and submitted a final report with findings and recommendations in December 2024. The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) has requested MDOA to discuss its plans for implementing these recommendations.

Secretary Carmel Roque of the MDOA emphasized the importance of the budget as a reflection of the state's values and commitment to its aging population. She highlighted the agency's dual focus on grant administration and policy advocacy, noting the need for collaboration with other agencies to effectively serve older Marylanders. Roque reported progress in filling vacancies within the department and introduced two bills aimed at modernizing state-funded programs for older adults living at home, with the goal of expanding services without increasing funding.

The session concluded with an invitation for questions from committee members, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of Maryland's aging community. The discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance support systems for older adults and the importance of legislative backing in achieving these goals.