St. Mary's County Commissioners approve $188,845 senior care grant, add local funds

The Commissioners of St. Mary's County on Sept. 16 approved a Maryland Department of Aging senior care grant of $188,845 for fiscal year 2026 and authorized a related budget amendment and execution of documents by the commission president.

The grant covers the term July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and County Administrator David Weiskopf and Department of Aging and Human Services officials said the funding supports services that help older adults remain independent and in their homes. Department officials told commissioners the county will add $12,700 in local funds to the award as county match/coverage for program expenses.

"Services that we provide to older adults in the community help them to remain in their home for a longer period of time, helping them to remain independent," Department Director Lori Jennings Harris said during the presentation.

Rebecca Kessler, division manager for home- and community-based services and Maryland Access Point oversight, described the department's client navigation work and encouraged residents to call the Aging and Human Services main line or the MAP site for help identifying services, including long-term care options and caregiver support.

Commissioner Michael Hewitt moved approval of the grant application, notice of grant award and related budget amendment; the motion passed by voice vote. The motion referenced the grant as project MD2603.

Commissioners and staff said receiving the award and the opportunity to act on the grant and grant award in the same meeting simplified administration. County officials said the grant will be reflected in the department's FY2026 operating budget and that staff will manage the program under existing departmental oversight.

The commissioners recorded the approval at the meeting and did not add further conditions to the award.

Votes at the meeting were recorded as a voice vote: all in favor, no recorded nays.