Senior independence means an older adult can manage their daily life safely while maintaining control over their choices and routines. It often includes handling personal care, making decisions, and staying socially engaged. Even with support, independence is preserved through a person-centered care approach that respects their preferences and dignity.
Choosing the appropriate level of care ensures safety, support, and dignity while maintaining as much independence as possible:
Independent Living
Designed for active older adults who can manage daily life on their own while enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle and opportunities to stay socially engaged.
Home Care (Aging in Place)
Provides personalized assistance with daily activities at home, helping older adults remain safe, comfortable, and independent in familiar surroundings.
Assisted Living
Offers support with personal care, medications, meals, and housekeeping while encouraging residents to make their own choices and maintain as much independence as possible.
Memory Care
Provides a secure, structured environment with specialized support that helps individuals with dementia maintain their abilities, dignity, and quality of life.
Skilled Nursing (Nursing Home)
Delivers 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation, and medical support to maximize function, improve recovery, and help individuals achieve the highest level of independence possible.
✔️ Promotes independence at every stage of aging
✔️ Prevents unnecessary decline from over- or under-support
✔️ Enhances safety while respecting personal choice
✔️ Improves quality of life and emotional well-being
✔️ Supports families in making informed, confident decisions
Understanding Your Rights, Choices, and Care Preferences
Planning ahead protects your independence, ensures your voice is heard, and gives you control over your healthcare decisions—no matter what the future holds.
Key Documents to Have in Place
✔️ Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will)
States the medical care you want—or do not want—if you cannot speak for yourself, including CPR, life support, pain management, and comfort care.
✔️ Medical Power of Attorney (Healthcare Agent)
Names someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so.
✔️ Financial Power of Attorney
Authorizes someone to manage your finances, such as paying bills, banking, insurance, and property matters.
✔️ HIPAA Authorization
Allows healthcare providers to share your medical information with the people you choose.
✔️ POLST/MOLST Forms (When Appropriate)
For people with serious or advanced illnesses, these medical orders communicate treatment preferences to healthcare providers and emergency personnel.

Ask yourself:
Planning ahead helps:
• Ensure your voice is heard
• Reduce stress for your loved ones
• Prevent confusion during medical emergencies
• Maintain dignity and control over your care
Know the Signs. Know Your Rights. Protect Older Adults.
Elder abuse is any intentional act—or failure to act—that causes harm or serious risk of harm to an older adult. It can occur in homes, assisted living, hospitals, or long-term care facilities.
Elder abuse can include:
Elder rights are the legal and human rights that ensure older adults are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. These rights protect seniors from abuse, neglect, and discrimination, while promoting autonomy, access to care, and participation in society.
Provides support services, caregiver resources, and information for older adults.
Advocates for residents living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
OHCQ investigates complaints involving:
✔ Assisted Living Programs
✔ Nursing Homes
✔ Home Health Agencies
✔ Hospice Programs
✔ Adult Day Care Programs
✔ Other Maryland healthcare facilities and community-based programs
Complaints may be submitted online, by mail, or by fax. OHCQ reviews and investigates concerns according to state and federal regulations.
Connects older adults and caregivers with local aging services and support programs.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
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