Aging & Independence
9830 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
United States
Mission & Priorities
The Office on Aging & Independence serves as Howard County’s premier resource for dynamic, quality of life programs, services and supports for all ages of adulthood.
OAI's mission is to ensure that Howard County older adults and persons with disabilities have the resources they need to grow, thrive, and live with dignity, by improving access to services and supports, promoting individual choice, and enhancing efficiency and quality of services.
Our priorities:
- Decrease Social Isolation and Increase Social Connectedness
- Expand Ethnic & Cultural Diversity Across Programs & Services
- Promote Healthy Aging
The 2022 Resource Guide
The Office on Aging and Independence presents the 2022 issue of the Resource Guide.
This guide is an essential resource for Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers. This valuable and comprehensive publication includes helpful articles, checklists, care-giving tips, information on 55+ housing, 50+ Centers, consumer resources, elder law, and many more informative categories. The guide provides the user with beneficial and relevant information about local services, products and companies serving Howard County residents.
Click here to view.
To learn about programs and services available through the Office on Aging and Independence
Programs & Resources
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Information & Assistance
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Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Howard County is the gateway for information and assistance for older adults, persons with disabilities, family members and caregivers who need or want to plan for future needs.
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50+ Centers
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Pursue an active and vital lifestyle through the many offerings at Howard County’s 50+ Centers. Centers offer a wide variety of programs and services including fitness programs, educational opportunities in the arts and humanities; wellness classes and many opportunities for social and recreational activities.
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Age-Friendly Howard County
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An age-friendly community respects everyone regardless of age or stage of life, and provides basic components that make it a safe place to grow old and grow up. Click to view more information and the eight domains of livability identified by AARP and the World Health Organization that help make a community age-friendly.
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Care Options
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A range of services to assist older adults to remain independent in the community with support.
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Health Promotion & Nutrition Services
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Improving the health and quality of life for older adults and persons with disabilities through a variety of programs and services including exercise, fitness and nutrition programs, wellness classes and evidence-based programs.
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Housing Options
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Older adult housing options are numerous, and include independent living communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. MAP can assist you in navigating all the housing options available and determine those that are most appropriate for you or your loved one.
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Additional Programs & Services
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A variety of programs and services that support aging in the community.
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Publications & Reports
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The latest publications, reports and plans for the Office on Aging and Independence.
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Various opportunities to engage with your community.
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Drive DeVilbiss and Essential Medical Supply Bed Rail Recalls
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Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Recalls Bed Assist Handles and Rails
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare has announced the recall of four different models of its Bed Assist Handles and Rail. The four recalled models are:
- Model 15064, Bed Assist Handle
- Model 15062, Bed Assist Rail with Folding Board
- Model RTL15073, Home Bed Assist Handle (adjustable)
- Model RTL15063-ADJ, Home Bed Assist Handle (adjustable)
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled items and contact Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare to receive a full refund. Contact Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare at. 877-467-3099 or click here for more information.
Essential Medical Supply Inc. Recalls Adult Portable Bed Rails Due to Entrapment and Asphyxia Hazard
Essential Medical Supply Inc. announced the recall of four models of the company’s Endurance Hand Bed Rails, including the Hand Bed Rail (model P1410), Hand Bed Rail with Pouch (model P1410-P), Hand Bed Rail with Floor Support (model P1411), and Hand Bed Rail with Floor Support with Pouch (model P1411-P).
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled items. For information about refunds, contact Essential Medical Supply toll-free at 888-856-0111 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit essentialmedicalsupply.com and click on “Important Safety Notice” at the top of the page. Or, go to https://essentialmedicalsupply.com/products/recalls. More details can be found in the recall notification.
If you have any questions regarding these notices, you may contact Maryland Access Point, Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or email map@howardcountymd.gov.
Commission on Aging
The Howard County Commission on Aging is a 15-member volunteer advisory board to the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence. The Commission accomplishes its work through the activities of task forces and committees, researches legislation at the county and state level that impacts the health and wellbeing of older adults and their families, and provides testimony when appropriate. Commissioners are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council for three-year terms. They represent diverse professional backgrounds, various age and ethnic groups, and many geographic areas of the county.
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