Senior Services in Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia & D.C.: From Home Care to Daily Money Managers

As we age, many of us (or our loved ones) find ourselves needing extra support. It can be overwhelming trying to determine what options are out there and which ones are right for you.  Between private options, state programs, and federal benefits, it’s not always clear where to start.

This guide will walk you through the most common types of senior services, from private care to public benefit programs, so that you can make informed decisions.

Start Local: Services in Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, and D.C.

The best place to begin your search is close to home. Each state offers free or low-cost programs that connect older adults and caregivers to the help they need.

Maryland

• Maryland Department of Aging (aging.maryland.gov)
  Offers programs for in-home care, caregiver support, transportation, and benefits counseling.

• Maryland Access Point (MAP) (marylandaccesspoint.info)
  A one-stop hub to find aging, disability, and caregiving services across all Maryland counties.

• PACE in Maryland (Program of All-Inclusive Care) A Medicare and Medicaid-funded program providing comprehensive care to seniors (https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/waiverprograms/pages/pace.aspx)
  One example is Johns Hopkins ElderPlus which coordinates preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services to qualified seniors

Massachusetts

• Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) (mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-elder-affairs)
  Oversees programs that promote independence, safety, and well-being for older adults.

• MassOptions (massoptions.org)
  A free statewide helpline connecting residents to aging, disability, and caregiving resources.

• PACE in Massachusetts (https://www.mass.gov/program-of-all-inclusive-care-for-the-elderly-pace)
  Provides coordinated health and support services to help seniors remain in their homes.
  
  

Virginia

• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) (vda.virginia.gov)
  Connects older adults to home- and community-based care, caregiver programs, and long-term support.

• VirginiaNavigator (virginianavigator.org)
  A trusted directory of senior and caregiver services searchable by ZIP code.

• PACE in Virginia (https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/other-programs-and-guidelines/pace/)
  Helping adults ages 55+ who are living with chronic healthcare needs and/or disabilities receive community-based healthcare services.

Washington, D.C.

• D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) (https://dacl.dc.gov)
  Provides meals, transportation, legal help, caregiver support, and wellness programs for older adults.

• Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) (adrc.dc.gov)
  Connects D.C. residents to local services and benefits.

• D.C. PACE Program (https://dhcf.dc.gov/page/pace-dc)
  Integrated medical and home-based care for eligible seniors.

Private & Community-Based Options

Many families also choose private or community services to complement state programs:

• In-Home Care: Personal aides or nurses who help with meals, bathing, and mobility.

• Concierge / Errand Services: Help with scheduling, errands, and everyday logistics.

• Daily Money Managers (DMMs): Professionals who handle day-to-day financial tasks, such as paying bills, organizing paperwork, reconciling accounts, and keeping an eye out for fraud.

• Senior Villages: Neighborhood-based membership programs that connect volunteers and resources to help seniors age in place.

At Everyday Money Management, our Daily Money Managers work alongside families and care providers to make financial life simpler and more secure for older adults.

Federal Programs: A Broader Safety Net

Beyond local and private services, there are national programs designed to provide financial or medical support:

• Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov): A free national service connecting older adults and caregivers to local resources.

• Medicare (www.medicare.gov): Health insurance for adults 65+ and younger individuals with certain disabilities.

• Medicaid (www.medicaid.gov): Long-term and in-home care for those with limited income.

• Social Security (www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement): Retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor programs.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (www.fns.usda.gov/snap): Helps low-income seniors afford groceries.

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (www.hud.gov/topics/information_for_senior_citizens): Provides housing vouchers, repair grants, and affordable housing options for seniors.

• Veterans Affairs (VA) – Geriatrics & Extended Care (www.va.gov/GERIATRICS): Offers medical and home-based services for eligible veterans.

Your local aging office can help you determine eligibility and coordinate these federal benefits with local care options.

Finding the Right Fit

The most effective support for seniors often combines local programs, private services, and federal benefits.

A good first step:

1. Start with your state’s aging agency.

2. Make a list of your loved one’s daily needs: health, financial, and social.

3. Explore Daily Money Management for financial organization and fraud prevention.

4. Revisit your plan regularly as needs change.

Everyday Money Management Can Help

If you or a loved one could use support managing day-to-day finances, Everyday Money Management can help you stay organized, protected, and independent. We work with clients throughout Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, and D.C., often in partnership with local care providers and family members.