Community Living Program
The Community Living Program assists county residents to remain living in their home by providing low-cost, but impactful, home modifications. Modifications are designed to enhance accessibility, promote safe mobility, reduce falls, improve functional compacity for activities of daily living, lower hospital readmission rates and minimize the need for more intensive care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Home Modification examples include:
- Grab bars/railings, tub/shower transfer bench
- Accessible kitchen/bathroom features
- Access ramps
- Raised toilet seat/supports
- Fall prevention/safety features
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.
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
Falls Prevention Resources
Did you know that falls are one of the leading causes of injury for older adults? The good news is that most falls can be prevented with the right knowledge, tools, and activities. See below a list of resources for falls prevention, feel free to check out activities at our 50+ Centers where we routinely run Better Balance and Falls Prevention classes.
Resources
Occupational Therapy Internship Opportunities
The Community Living Program 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.
“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!”