Community Living Program
The purpose of the program is to provide resources and support for healthy aging in the community. Services include:
- Home safety consultations.
- Home modifications and durable medical equipment.
- Cognitive screenings.
- Education and training sessions.
- Student internships for occupational therapy students.
A home safety consultation can identify hazards that may affect your safety in the home and give recommendations for eliminating these hazards through the use of assistive devices and home repairs and modifications.
Who is Eligible for Community Living Program Services?
- A Howard County resident living at home in the community.
- A person 18 years or older with a disability (must need assistance with ADLs/IADLs)
- Services are subject to the availability of funds. Priority is given to lower income status.
Home Modification/Aging in Place Resources
OAI’s Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) assists low-income, older residents with making low-cost, but impactful modifications to their home designed to enhance accessibility, promote safe mobility, reduce falls, improve functional capacity for activities of daily living, lower hospital readmission rates and minimize the need for more intensive care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Funding for Home Modifications
Important Phone Numbers and Website Links
- Howard County Livable Home Tax Credit: 410-313-4076
- Howard County Aging in Place Tax Credit: 410-313-2323
- MD Accessible Homes for Seniors: 410-429-7409
- Howard County Housing Repair Loan Program: 410-313-6316
Self Assessment Tools for Aging in Place
- Aging in Place: Your Community, Your Choice A Workbook for Planning your Future; Materials Compiled by The Aging in Place Leadership Team of the New River Valley, VA
- Home Safety Self Assessment Tool: Occupational Therapy Geriatric Group Department of Rehabilitation Science University of Buffalo
- Rebuilding Together Safe Homes Checklist
- Alzheimer’s Association Checklist
Fall Prevention Resources
Occupational Therapy Internship Opportunities
Overview of Internship Opportunities
The Community Living Program (CLP) provides direct supervision for occupational therapy students looking to gain experience in home modifications and aging in place.
Level II fieldwork reservations are available year-round for students enrolled in an accredited university. Please contact Carly Shilling OTR/L for more information at cshilling@howardcountymd.gov.
Fieldwork location: 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
Minimum Requirements
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Complete a criminal background check
- University Agreement Form
- Provide own transportation to/from site
Forms to Complete
- Application for student internship (RM-5) Form
- Student Internship MOU (RM-6) Form
- Background check (Online)
- Resume
“I am thankful for all of the help and guidance from the Community Living Program. I have showered almost every day now that I have a swivel shower seat. Previously, I showered once a week and could not do it by myself. Now I can do it independently and every day! Thank you!”