Older Adults
Older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions, are at greater risk of developing a more severe, life-threatening case of COVID-19, which may result in increased stress and anxiety. Here you will find resources to help older adults stay safe, connected, and supported. In addition to the resources below, we maintain a mental health and aging website, Vibrant Aging, and offer free copies of “Mental Health in Later Life: A Guidebook for Older Marylanders and the People Who Care for Them.”
Coronavirus Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers
- Recovery and Wellness Support Resources for the COVID-19 Outbreak – Maryland Department of Health
- The Friendship Line is a free, 24-hour crisis intervention hotline and warmline for non-emergency support for adults aged 60 years and older.
- Baltimore Neighbors Network—a virtual community of trained volunteers available to support older adults via phone in Baltimore
- Resource Center for Professionals, Older Adults, and Caregivers- National Council on Aging
- The Maryland Department of Aging’s Senior Call Check program is a free, opt-in, telephone service that checks on Maryland residents aged 65 and up. The service will provide messages and updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Register here.
- Tips for Dementia Caregivers – Alzheimer’s Association
- For more information on older adult mental health, check out MHAMD’s Older Adult program resources.
- Read the ABCs of Combating Isolation
Stay Connected
- Connections Project – a new initiative of the Mental Health Association of Maryland PEERS Program pairing volunteers providing supportive phone or video visits with older Baltimore County residents who are struggling with anxiety, fear, hopelessness, loneliness and other challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently seeking volunteers and participants. Interested in participating in a call program but don’t reside in Baltimore County? Check out our list of senior call programs we’ve learned of in other Maryland counties.
- Baltimore Neighbors Network—a virtual community of trained volunteers available to support older adults via phone in Baltimore
- Apart Not Alone – an initiate that pairs graduate students with older adults. The initiative provides weekly phone calls from a graduate student for companionship, education about how to use connective technology such as video chat, and connection to community resources such as grocery delivery.
- AARP Community Connections – online mutual aid groups to stay connected, share ideas, and help those in need.
Telehealth for Public Behavioral Health Services
The Maryland Department of Health has expanded the use of Telehealth Services in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Read the regulations for Telehealth here.
Things to Do at Home
- Free Online Workout Programs from GiveFit
- Free Online Exercises from Go4Life from the National Institute on Aging
- Take a Free Online Course from AARP’s Collection of Classes
- Take a Virtual Field Trip to Over 500 Museums and Galleries Worldwide
- Watch a Livestream of Undersea Creatures at the National Aquarium
Meals and Food Distribution
Due to increased risk of developing more serious complications from COVID-19, we recommend that older adults have a family member, friend, or neighbor pick-up their food or groceries from these sites if they need food; (2) call MAP 410-396-CARE for a home-delivered meals or groceries if they have no other option for obtaining food at home without leaving home.