Eldercare Resources

Caring for other adults, particularly parents and grandparents, can take many forms and may be unexpected. We hope the resources below will be helpful to those of you who are preparing for their role as a caregiver. These are resources and are not intended as legal advice. If you are aware of any additional resources that may be useful, please contact Orianne Smith, Chair, Faculty & Staff Care and Belonging Committee (osmith@umbc.edu).

The Work of a Caregiver

The role of caregiver can take many paths. It can include providing physical assistance to someone we care about, but it can also involve providing financial and emotional support as well. Our work as a caregiver may be out of love or out of obligation and it can be a thankless task. As our loved ones age, many of us may find that we are sandwiched between caring for our children and also our aging relatives. Caregiving can be stressful. As a caregiver, it is important to remember to take care of yourself! Here are some resources that might help:

JHU Causes and Symptoms of Caregiving Burnout

Mayo Clinic: Caregiver stress: Tips for taking care of yourself

Caregiver and Dementia Support

AARP: Caregiver Life Balance

AARP: Caregiving While Working

Dept. of Labor: The Employees Guide to the Family Medical Leave Act

Paid Family and Medical Leave is coming to Maryland

Caring for a Healthy Aging Person

Although your aging loved one may be healthy and independent, it is important to be aware of and prepared for the future. Below is some general information you may find helpful as you assist your aging loved one.

Living Arrangements: Many older adults wish to remain in their home as they age. Being aware of the home environment and how one can continue to remain safely at home is important.

Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home

AARP Your Home Checklist for Aging in Place

Important Documents: At a minimum, you should be aware of where a loved one keeps important documents such as banking information, wills, and deeds. It is also helpful to have login information for bank accounts and other portals that might need to be accessed. If your older person does not want to share this information with you now, consider having them write it down and tell you where the document is stored so you can access it when you need it.

Health Care Wishes: In the event your loved one is unable to speak or make medical decisions on their own behalf, it is important to understand your loved one’s wishes. This can be accomplished by having conversations with your loved ones and by encouraging them to complete an advance directive. An advance directive allows an individual to appoint a person to make healthcare decisions for them if they are not able. Additionally, healthcare instructions or a living will can be completed to guide your family and medical providers regarding healthcare wishes. If advance directive documents are completed it is important that one’s healthcare provider has a copy as well as the family / appointed healthcare agent. An attorney is not required to complete a healthcare directive in Maryland.
Maryland Advance Directive information and form. The Maryland attorney general website has information about advance directive and a form that one may choose to complete. If your loved one does not live in Maryland, check their state government website for advance directive resources for their state.
Another resource for advance directives is Five Wishes.
A Power of Attorney is another document you might consider. This allows another person to manage property while the owner is still living, which is useful if someone loses the capacity to manage their affairs due to dementia or a stroke. It can also be helpful if physically going to the bank or other institution becomes challenging.
Medication lists. It is helpful to have an up-to-date list of all medications an older person is taking, including any supplements or over the counter medications. This would be needed if a person has a medical emergency, needs to transfer care settings, or becomes forgetful. Some older adults keep a copy on the refrigerator. Emergency personnel know to look there when responding to a 911 call.
Medicare: Medicare is the federal health insurance program for adults age 65 and older. Medicare involves many components and can at times be challenging to understand. Below are some resources that may help.
- Medicare.gov What is Medicare?
- Medicare Basics
- NPR Untangling The Multiple Parts Of Medicare 34 minute listen
- Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) SHIP is a program through the state of Maryland that provides free, unbiased help to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. This program allows you to meet with an individual to help one understand coverage and cost amongst other things.
Fraud and Scams: Be aware that older adults may be targets for fraud and scams targeting older adults
- Recognizing Fraud and Scams
- AARP Fraud and Scam Watch
Health and Engagement
- Senior Centers and 55 + Centers offer opportunities for engagement and education. These centers offer classes, games, health screenings, social groups, fitness programs and more for older adults. Many offer in person and virtual options.
- AARP 6 Ways Loneliness Can Harm Your Health — and How to Cut Your Risks Loneliness and isolation have been referred to as a public health crisis. The impact of loneliness and isolation goes beyond just one’s mental wellbeing.
- AARP Anxiety and Depression 101
- Maryland Senior Call Check once a day check in phone call to a Maryland older adult

Caring for an Older Adult with Some Care Needs

You may be assisting an older person who lives in the community but requires some assistance with tasks to be able to remain at home in good health. This list provides some things to think about, but is not exhaustive.

If your older person lives in Maryland, consider calling Maryland Access Point 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465) for more personalized assistance, or clicking on marylandaccesspoint.211md.org.

Maryland Access Point (MAP) is part of the Maryland Department of Aging. This service is not exclusive to Maryland as many counties (in other states) have a Department or Office of Aging that can provide a wealth of information for older adults and their caregivers. The Department of Aging office includes information on health, transportation, income, and financial aid, senior and community centers and clubs, nutrition and meals, pharmacy assistance, housing, and volunteer opportunities. Your local Department of Aging is a good place to start when looking for resources available to help with an aging loved one.

The Positive Aging Sourcebook. This free resource is online (hard copy can be requested). It offers various information for older adults in the Maryland / DC / Virginia area including lists of Retirement Communities, Assisted Living, Nursing homes and home care agencies. A sourcebook is also available for the PA / DE / NJ area. Additionally, they offer many live and pre-recorded discussions with professionals involved with older adults

Transportation: An older person who lives in the community is going to need transportation for medical and social outings.

Physically and cognitively able older adults can use traditional transportation services, including friends/family, Uber/Lyft, and public transportation.
Some counties have volunteer transportation services, such as Howard County’s Neighbor Ride which matches volunteer drivers with individuals in need.

A person with a disability that leaves them unable to access traditional fixed route transportation services may qualify for paratransit, a scheduled curb to curb service. Someone who wants to use paratransit services must apply and register with the paratransit service in their area.

Many private companies provide door through door wheelchair transportation. Google “wheelchair transportation” and your area for a list. These can be fairly expensive, and each company will have different scheduling policies.
Maryland Access Point can provide more specific transportation information.

Respite services that provide relief/support to caregivers. What this looks like depends on the needs of the person receiving care. A person in need of supervision might need a companion in the home, while someone that needs hands-on care will need more intensive services. These can include:

Case Management/Care Management: These services provide individualized, tailored support with developing care plans:

The Department of Aging Senior Care Case Management Services provide case management services for eligible older adults.
Geriatric Care Managers are certified professionals you can hire to help coordinate an older person’s care. They offer a range of support options, from a one time consultation, to ongoing management of complex care situations.

Health: Infections in older adults can lead to delirium (a sudden change in cognition). If your loved one has some changes in cognition it is important to have them see a doctor. Here are some resources you may find helpful:

Caring for an Older Adult in a Crisis

There may come a time when the care of an older adult exceeds the level of assistance family or friends can provide. Below is some information on professional formal caregiving services that may be helpful.

The Positive Aging Sourcebook: This free resource is online (hard copy can be requested). It offers various information for older adults in the Maryland / DC / Virginia area including lists of Retirement Communities, Assisted Livings, Nursing homes and home care agencies. A sourcebook is also available for the PA / DE / NJ area. Additionally, they offer many live and pre-recorded discussions with professionals involved with caring for older adults.

Short term rehab care: If your loved one is hospitalized, the medical team may recommend a short term rehab stay to continue treatment before they return home. Typically, a short term rehab unit is a specialty unit within a larger nursing home. Here is more information:

Medicare Coverage of a Short Term Rehab Stay

Finding a short term rehab or nursing home (sometimes called a long term care facility): The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have created a nursing home rating system (based on 5 stars) to help consumers compare and identify nursing homes in their area. The Maryland Healthcare Commission also reports on family satisfaction.

Finding in-home care: Medicare does not cover a private aid to come into the home to provide care. If your loved one has a long term care insurance policy, it may cover some of the cost.

Considerations when deciding whether to hire in home care – AARP

Long Term Care insurance

AARP: Understanding Long Term Care Insurance

Funeral arrangements / End of Life Planning

Disease Specific Resources

Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Caregiving 101 is a resource for caregivers who want to learn more about caregiving and dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a wealth of information and a 24 hour help line.
The 36 Hour Day by Peter Rabins and Nancy Mace (book)
Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey (book)

Parkinson’s Disease

Cardiovascular Disease

NIH: Heart Health and Aging

Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Resources for Older Adults

Resources at UMBC

Care@Work is a platform that connects families and caregivers. In addition, UMBC is also subsidizing up to 10 days of backup care.
UMBC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) work-life specialists can do research for you and provide qualified referrals and customized resources for elder care. To access EAP services, visit UMBC’s HR page.
UMBCworks also provides parents a platform to advertise their eldercare needs. You can hire UMBC students on a part-time basis to help you with work-life responsibilities. To gain access to UMBCworks, please contact the Career Center at careers@umbc.edu.
- The Career Center will set up a “Miscellaneous Household Opportunities” account for you. The system will only provide the town/state where you live (no street address) so students can determine if they are able to travel to the location. Students are able to see the job description you provide, but they will not have access to your contact information unless you choose. UMBCworks will accumulate the resumes online and also have them sent to the provided email address. UMBCworks is a great resource to connect with students looking for opportunities.
Medical and Dependent care Flexible spending accounts are available to eligible UMBC employees and can be used for expenses for an adult legal dependent.
The UMBC Cares Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund was established to assist eligible employees experiencing an emergency financial need which may include caregiving-related expenses. The fund is available for emergencies and financial hardship resulting from any circumstances.