Baltimore County program installs repairs, railings to help older residents stay in their homes

A Baltimore County Department of Aging representative described a county program that provides home repairs and safety modifications to help older adults and people with disabilities remain in their homes.

"The goal of the Baltimore County Department of Aging is pretty simple, but very impactful," the department representative said, adding the agency aims "to strengthen the lives of older adults and people with disabilities" through direct services, advocacy and connections to resources. During the recorded presentation the representative said one program highlighted community partnerships and the program's impact on residents.

A program representative identified the BECAUSE program by name: "The BECAUSE program stands for Baltimore County Age Friendly Upgrades for Seniors," and said it operates across Baltimore County, providing services that range from roof repair and heating and cooling system work to plumbing, electrical repairs and safety fixtures such as grab bars and handrails.

Residents who spoke in the session described personal experiences with the program. One resident said workers "put railings there to help us," noting she now uses a cane and has "bad knees." The resident added she applied, staff came to assess needs and told her she was eligible; "it didn't take you a year, it didn't take you 2 years," she said, praising the program's timeliness.

The department representative cited research in explaining the program's rationale: "We know through research that 80 percent of older adults want to stay in their homes, but a third of them need support in doing so," and said BECAUSE helps with home modifications that make aging in place safer. The representative outlined three primary benefits: reduced isolation and stronger social connections, improved health outcomes including lower risks of depression and chronic disease, and economic benefits such as reduced health care costs and eased strain on long-term care facilities.

Program staff emphasized that BECAUSE can address major home systems and safety modifications. "When we can go in and repair the main systems of the home and the roof of the home and also do modifications," a program representative said, listing roof, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical work and mobility-related fixtures.

Residents and companions repeatedly expressed gratitude. One companion called the assistance a "godsend," and the resident who received work said the support helped keep her and her husband, who have been together 64 years, in their home.

For residents seeking services, the Department of Aging representative said the Maryland Access Point is "our 1 point of entry to all of our services," and recommended contacting the Maryland Access Point Monday through Friday by phone or visiting the department website to apply.

The session combined department presentation and beneficiary testimony, with officials describing program scope and eligibility and residents offering firsthand accounts of repairs and modifications completed by the county program.