Maryland’s senior population is growing fast.  

Within the next 20 years, more than a quarter of the state’s residents will be age 65 or older—part of a national trend, as people live longer and stay active as they age. People with disabilities are also getting older and reshaping what aging looks like in Maryland. 

Aging should never mean giving up the life you choose. As people’s needs change, they still want independence, connection, and purpose. At Fello, we make sure our support grows right alongside each person, helping them keep pursuing the interests, relationships, and experiences that make life meaningful. 

Changing Needs at Home 

Home should feel like home—at every age, and through every change life brings. 

People’s needs may change as they age, but that doesn’t mean they should have to leave the place they love. Fello works closely with the people we support to make sure their homes keep pace with their needs.  

Sometimes, a small adjustment makes a big difference. That might mean adding grab bars, installing a raised toilet seat, or making another simple modification to help someone continue their daily routines with confidence. For long-term changes, we put permanent supports in place that preserve the feeling of home. 

Our goal is always the same: to help people continue living in a space that reflects who they are and supports the life they want to lead.  

“One person we support experienced a change in their mobility. They needed a wheelchair to move around and could no longer use the stairs,” said Niki Jones, Director of Living Options & Services at Fello. “Instead of moving them away from the place they loved, we installed a portable wheelchair ramp. It was a simple, affordable solution that allowed them to keep living in their home.” 

Sometimes, needs can become complex, and it’s no longer possible to make a home fully safe and supportive. When a move becomes necessary, we make sure no one faces that transition alone. 

“Leaving the place you’ve called home is never easy for anyone,” said Jones. “Change can be overwhelming, so we take the lead—finding a place that’s not only safe and accessible, but also respects each person’s preferences. Our mission is to create the smoothest transition possible, so people can get back to focusing on what’s next.” 

Adapting to physical changes is just one part of aging. This stage of life can also bring opportunities to explore new interests and try new things.  

A Time to Be Yourself 

Everyone has their own interests, routines, and passions—and growing older doesn’t change the things that make someone who they are. 

For some people, that may mean enjoying familiar routines and quiet moments at home. Fello supports those choices by helping keep homes accessible and providing the right support from Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), so people can spend their time in ways that matter to them. 

For others, growing older may create new opportunities to explore interests or dedicate more time to the activities they love. 

“I think of one older gentleman whose love for chess brings him so much joy,” said Jones. “Now that he has more time to focus on what he enjoys, he spends his days playing as much as he wants. Supporting those choices is what we’re here for.” 

For him, chess has become more than a hobby—it’s a way to connect with others who share his passion. 

“What he enjoys most is playing chess with other people his own age. His DSPs often bring him to local gatherings to meet fellow enthusiasts. For him, it’s more than a game—it’s a way to build friendships around a shared passion. For many people, those connections mean everything,” said Jones. 

Whether someone enjoys a favorite routine at home, pursues a lifelong interest, or discovers something new, Fello is there to provide the support that makes those experiences possible. 

Aging with Support, Purpose, & Connection 

Growing older doesn’t change a person’s value, interests, or place in the community. Everyone deserves the opportunity to remain connected, engaged, and supported throughout every stage of life. 

At Fello, we believe aging should come with possibilities. That means adapting support as needs change, honoring each person’s choices, and helping people keep building meaningful lives. 

Together—with families, dedicated professionals, and our wider community—we can create a Maryland where everyone, at any age or ability, has the opportunity to belong and live well.