Aging adds a layer of complexity to behavioral health care, as new or pre-existing conditions interact with medical conditions and age-related stressors. Culturally competent, integrated care can support older adults in living as independently as possible.
If you are an older adult or caretaker looking for:
- Immediate emotional support, call 988
- Supportive services, please see our Resource and Support Guide for Older Adults in Baltimore
Older Adult Outreach
BHSB funds two teams of two licensed psychiatric practitioners who provide in-home behavioral health care. One program, based out of Johns Hopkins Hospital, focuses on seniors living in public housing programs. The other, based out of the University of Maryland, focuses more broadly on isolated seniors who are not well-connected to care.
Older Adult Specialist
Baltimore City, along with 5 other Maryland jurisdictions, receives state funding to employ a specialist to help ensure that older adults who are placed in nursing facilities have access to appropriate behavioral health services during and after their placement. This position also helps bridge knowledge gaps among long-term care providers about behavioral health in older adults, and additionally can help behavioral care providers find appropriate long-term care placements for their older adult consumers.
Collaboration
BHSB collaborates with the Baltimore City Health Department, Maryland Department of Health, and other partners to address complex issues facing the older adult population:
- Isolation
- Hoarding
- Weather-related Illnesses and Fatalities
- In-home supports to age in place
.