Empowering Communities to Meet the Needs of Aging Populations
The Supportive Communities program is an initiative aimed at creating age-friendly communities where older adults can thrive by supporting local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community members that serve older adults. The role of the Supportive Communities program is to:
- Advocate for policy changes that support older adults
- Allocate resources to help meet the transportation, housing, social activity, and other needs of older adults
- Engage communities on the needs, planning, and impact of age-friendly initiatives
Key Initiatives
Miriam Kelty Aging and Senior Social Connection Hub and Spoke Pilot Program: This bill establishes the Miriam Kelty Aging and Senior Social Connection Hub and Spoke Pilot Program in MDOA. The goal of the program is to support villages that take advantage of operational proficiencies and existing systems, skills, and resources to expand services to more residents in the geographic region. MDOA must select the Montgomery County Village Consortium to implement the pilot program for a three-year period.
Village Support and Expansion Projects: The Village concept provides a holistic approach to aging in place by addressing the practical, social, and emotional needs of older adults within a supportive community framework. It empowers older adults to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of belonging as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging.
Aging-in-Place Grant Opportunity: This opportunity is part of the Department’s strategy to increase the resources and capacity for local Area Agencies on Aging, Senior Villages, and nonprofit organizations serving older Marylanders and their caregivers to provide high-quality services and supports, develop social connection and community engagement, and foster the cultivation of social capital, enabling older Marylanders to thrive in their communities.
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC): A neighborhood or housing development where a large percentage of residents have aged in place, meaning they've lived there long enough to become predominantly older adults. These communities aren't specifically designed for older people but evolve as residents age in place or younger residents move out. NORCs often feature supportive service programs to help residents age comfortably in their homes.
