Department of Aging - Maryland Access Point - Dementia-Friendly Communities

HB 162 requires Maryland’s Department of Aging to provide resources, training, grants, and support to the Maryland Access Point network to establish dementia-friendly communities. It directly affects individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers by mandating community-based efforts to reduce stigma, improve physical accessibility (like clear signage), and promote social inclusion. Key provisions include requiring the Access Point network to create public educational materials about dementia support and ensuring communities implement specific actions - such as making environments safer, enabling participation in community life, and training local businesses and responders. The bill updates Maryland’s Aging and Disability Resource Center Program to prioritize dementia-friendly initiatives, effective October 2026.