Helping seniors live safely at home since 1952.
At Ninth District Health, we provide comprehensive geriatric care to prevent institutionalization, hospitalization and debility. We offer medical equipment loans for anyone with an illness, injury, or disability, along with comprehensive geriatric assessment (mobility, cognition, nutrition, medication safety) and advance care planning, with recording to the regional health information exchange (HIE), CRISP. We make referrals when necessary. We are champions of 4Ms age-friendly care, channeling care that matters to our seniors.
Serving seniors since 1952
Caring for seniors, year after year
70+Years of service
$0Cost to borrow equipment
3Programs under one roof
1952Year we were founded
Our mission of helping seniors live well at home
Our mission is to help older adults live well and age in place by identifying risks early and connecting them to the care and community resources they need.
- Loan clean, safe equipment at no cost
- Promote dignity and independence
- Partner with families and care teams
- Center care on what matters to each person
Resources we connect seniors to
Our programs
Three programs, one mission. A Loan Closet client can be referred for a geriatric assessment, and an assessment patient can be referred to the Loan Closet.
Medical Equipment Loan Closet
Wheelchairs, walkers, lifts and more, loaned at no cost. Every item is cleaned, sanitized and repaired first.
Learn moreThriving Geriatric Assessment
Comprehensive screening of mobility, cognition, nutrition and medication safety, built on the 4Ms of age-friendly care, then referrals to services that help older adults stay independent.
Learn moreMy Wishes at Sunset
Advance care planning done with a licensed health care professional, with your wishes recorded to CRISP so your care team can see them.
Learn moreFind out how we can help
Call us to request equipment, arrange a donation, or ask about an assessment. We are glad to talk it through.
Reach out todayMedical Equipment Loan Closet
How it works
- RequestCall us or send your request.
- Pick up or deliveryCollect your item, or ask about delivery.
- Return when finishedBring it back so another neighbor can use it.
- Equipment is free for seniors and anyone with an illness, injury, or disability.
- Items come from community donations, or are bought new through grants and financial support.
- Every item is cleaned, sanitized, and repaired before it is loaned.
Available equipment
Availability changes daily. Call (410) 665-0898 to check on a specific item.
Power wheelchairs
Manual and transport wheelchairs
Hoyer lifts
Rollators and walkers
Transfer boards
Rolling shower chairs
And more
Request equipment
The fastest way to request is to call
What we will ask
- Your name and phone number
- Your address
- The item you need
- How urgently you need it
At pickup
Bring a photo ID and proof of address. Ask us when you call whether a doctor’s prescription or referral is needed for the item you want.
Borrowing guidelines and returns
- Ask us how long you can keep an item and how to extend your loan.
- Follow the care and safety tips we give you with each item, and talk with your health care provider about proper use.
- Return equipment to the Loan Closet at 1801 Glen Keith Blvd when you no longer need it. Call us first if an item is damaged.
- You will sign a loan agreement and liability waiver when you borrow.
Equipment is provided as-is. In an emergency, call 911. Have questions? Read the Loan Closet FAQ.
Donate
Choose how you would like to help a neighbor stay safe at home: give equipment, make a financial gift, or volunteer your time.
1. Equipment
Your unused wheelchairs, walkers, lifts and other equipment can help a neighbor right away.
Schedule a donation2. Financial gift
Gifts help us buy new equipment and clean and repair donated items so they are safe to loan. Online giving is not set up yet. Call us, or ask about mailing a gift to 1801 Glen Keith Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21234.
Call to give3. Volunteer
We need people for sorting donated equipment, cleaning and sanitizing, deliveries, and the front desk.
Email usDonating equipment
What we accept
Clean, working equipment in good repair, such as wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, lifts, transfer boards and shower chairs. Call us if you are unsure about an item.
What we cannot accept
- Items with missing parts
- Recalled products
- Used personal-care items
Drop-off and pickup
Call (410) 665-0898 to arrange a drop-off at 1801 Glen Keith Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21234, or to ask about scheduling a pickup. For donation receipts, ask us when you call.
Helping older adults stay strong, safe, and at home.
The Thriving Geriatric Assessment screens for the health risks that come with aging, then connects you to services that help you stay independent and keep doing what matters most to you.
Medicare accepted · Most insurance plans accepted
A service of Ninth District Health, Inc.
Age in place
Aging brings changes, but decline is not inevitable.
In our assessment, we look at the whole person: your goals, your medications, your memory and mood, and how well you move. Then we build a plan and connect you to the right help, so small problems are caught before they become big ones.
Screen
A comprehensive assessment built on the 4Ms of age-friendly care.
Connect
Referrals to trusted local resources that fit your needs.
Thrive
Ongoing support to help you age in place, safely and confidently.
Our approach
The 4Ms of age-friendly care
The 4Ms are a simple, evidence-based way to focus on what matters most in caring for older adults. Our care follows the 4Ms framework used by Age-Friendly Health Systems nationwide. Every assessment covers all four.
What Matters
Your goals, values, and priorities for your health and life. Includes goals-of-care conversations and advance care planning.
Medication
A full review of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements to find drugs that may cause side effects, falls, or confusion, and to simplify where possible.
Mentation
Screening for memory changes, depression, anxiety, and risk of delirium.
Mobility
Assessment of walking, balance, strength, and fall risk, plus safety in your home.
Services
Comprehensive geriatric screening
A thorough assessment across all 4Ms, plus vision, hearing, nutrition, continence, sleep, and social support.
Medication review and optimization
Coordination with your prescribers to reduce risky or unnecessary medications.
Memory and mood screening
Cognitive testing and depression screening, with referral for further evaluation when needed.
Fall-risk and mobility assessment
Balance and gait testing, and a home safety review.
Advance care planning
Help putting your health care wishes into writing and sharing them with your care team.
Personalized care plan
A written summary of findings and recommendations, shared with you and your primary care provider.
Resource referral and care coordination
We connect you to services and follow up to make sure the referrals happen.
Caregiver support
Education and guidance for family members and caregivers.
Follow-up visits
Reassessment to track progress and update your plan.
Resource network
Screening is only the first step. Based on your results, we refer you to trusted partners who can help you get stronger and stay independent.
Physical and occupational therapy, including fall-prevention and balance programs
Home safety modifications such as grab bars, ramps, and lighting
Vision and hearing care referrals
Nutrition support, including dietitians and Meals on Wheels
Memory care and dementia support programs
Mental health and counseling services
Area Agency on Aging, Maryland Access Point, and senior centers
Transportation, social engagement, and caregiver respite programs
Financial help, such as Medicare Savings Programs and hospital financial assistance
What to expect
- ScheduleCall us, or have your doctor refer you.
- PrepareBring your medications (or a list), insurance cards, and a family member if you like.
- AssessmentA visit of about 60 to 90 minutes covering the 4Ms.
- Your planWe review results with you and give you a written plan.
- ConnectWe make referrals and share findings with your primary care provider.
- Follow upWe check in and adjust the plan as needed.
What to bring
- All your medications, including vitamins and supplements, or a complete list
- Your insurance cards
- Glasses and hearing aids
- Any recent medical records
- A family member or caregiver, if you would like
For families and caregivers
When to consider an assessment
A loved one may benefit if you notice falls, forgetfulness, weight loss, confusion about medications, withdrawing from activities, or trouble with daily tasks.
With the patient’s permission, families can take part in visits. We also offer caregiver education, guidance, and resources.
Schedule an assessment for a loved oneFor health care providers
Refer a patient
We extend your care by completing time-intensive geriatric screening and coordinating community resources. You receive a written assessment summary and recommendations for your patient.
Ideal referrals: older adults with recent falls, hospital discharge, multiple medications, memory concerns, or caregiver strain.
Call (410) 665-0898 or email dorothywerednp@ninthdistricthealth.com.
Insurance and billing
We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Maryland Medicaid, and most commercial insurance. Many of our services are covered as preventive or care-planning benefits. Depending on your plan, some visits may involve a copay or deductible.
We verify your coverage before your visit and tell you about any expected costs in advance. Need help paying? Ask about financial assistance and programs that may lower your costs.
Questions and answers
What is a geriatric assessment?
It’s a thorough check-up focused on the health concerns that matter most as we age. We look at your goals, medications, memory and mood, and mobility, and then create a plan to help you stay healthy and independent.
Who should get an assessment?
Adults 65 and older, especially anyone who has had a fall, a recent hospital stay, memory changes, several medications, or difficulty with everyday activities. It’s also valuable for healthy older adults who want to stay that way.
What are the 4Ms?
What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility. They’re the four core areas of age-friendly care, and every assessment we do covers all of them.
Does this replace my primary care doctor?
No. We work alongside your primary care provider. We share our findings and recommendations with them so your care stays coordinated.
Is the assessment covered by insurance?
Yes. We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Maryland Medicaid, and most commercial plans. Many services are covered, though some plans may have a copay or deductible. We’ll verify your coverage before your visit.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required for most plans. You can schedule directly, or your doctor can refer you. If you are in an HMO, call us and we will confirm.
How long does the visit take?
Plan on about 60 to 90 minutes for the first assessment. Follow-up visits are shorter.
What should I bring?
All your medications, including vitamins and supplements (or a complete list), your insurance cards, glasses and hearing aids, and any recent medical records. You’re welcome to bring a family member or caregiver.
Can you come to my home?
Call us to ask about home, office, and telehealth visit options. Home visits also let us check for safety hazards.
What happens after the assessment?
You’ll receive a written care plan. We’ll make referrals to the resources that fit your needs, share results with your doctor, and follow up to see how things are going.
Can my family be involved?
Yes, with your permission. Families often help us understand day-to-day challenges and support the plan at home.
What kinds of resources might I be referred to?
Physical therapy, fall-prevention programs, home safety modifications, vision and hearing care, nutrition services, memory support, counseling, and community programs through your local Area Agency on Aging.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes. We protect your health information under HIPAA and share it only with your care team and the people you authorize.
Is this an emergency service?
No. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
It’s never too early to plan for healthy aging.
Call (410) 665-0898 to schedule your assessment.
Contact usYour wishes, known wherever you receive care.
Advance care planning (My Wishes at Sunset) is done with a licensed health care professional. It helps older adults put their health care goals and wishes into writing, and makes sure every doctor, nurse, and hospital caring for them can see those wishes when it matters most.
Plans are recorded with CRISP, the regional health information exchange serving Maryland and neighboring states.
A service of Ninth District Health, Inc.
Shared through CRISP
A plan only helps if your care team can find it.
Many people complete an advance directive, then file it in a drawer or leave a copy at one doctor’s office. When an emergency happens, the paramedics, the emergency room, or a specialist across the state line may never see it. Families are left guessing, and care may not match what you wanted.
Advance care planning closes that gap. We help you decide what matters most to you, document it clearly, and send it to a secure health information network your providers already use. Your wishes travel with you.
Four simple steps to peace of mind
- Talk it throughMeet with a licensed health care professional, in your home, in our office, or by video. We’ll explore what matters most to you: your values, your health goals, and the kind of care you would or would not want.
- Put it in writingWe help you complete your advance directive, name your health care agent, and prepare a Maryland MOLST form if appropriate.
- Share it securelyWith your permission, your documents are sent to CRISP, so your care team can see them when they need to.
- Keep it currentYour wishes can change as your health or life changes. We check in with you regularly and update your plan whenever you ask.
Connected to the network your providers already use
My Wishes at Sunset works in partnership with CRISP (Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients), the state-designated health information exchange for Maryland. CRISP securely connects hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, and other health care organizations so they can share patient information to improve care.
Once your wishes are recorded, authorized providers caring for you can view them in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as 29 additional states and Puerto Rico. Whether you’re visiting family, spending the winter away, or seeing a specialist across state lines, your care team can know what you want.
Who we serve
Seniors
Guidance from experienced nurses who help you think through difficult choices at your own pace, in plain language, with no pressure. Your plan reflects you: your faith, your culture, and your priorities.
Families and caregivers
Relief from guesswork. When your loved one’s wishes are clear and on record, you can focus on being present rather than making hard decisions alone. Family members are welcome to join planning conversations whenever your loved one wishes.
Health care providers
Referral support for patients who need advance care planning. We help your patients complete their documents and share them through CRISP, so the information is there when you need it.
What’s included
- One-on-one goals-of-care conversations with a licensed health care professional
- Help completing a Maryland advance directive and naming a health care agent
- A completed MOLST form
- Secure sharing of your documents through CRISP
- Regular check-ins and updates as your health or wishes change
- Copies of your documents for you and your family
Privacy and your control
Your information, protected. Your choices, respected.
- You decide. Nothing is shared without your written permission.
- Secure by design. Your documents are handled in line with HIPAA and Maryland privacy law, and shared only through CRISP’s secure network.
- Only your care team. Your wishes are available to authorized health care providers involved in your care, not to insurers, employers, or marketers.
- Change your mind anytime. You can update or revoke your documents whenever you choose, and we’ll make sure the change is recorded.
Frequently asked questions
What is an advance directive?
An advance directive is a legal document that states the medical care you would want if you could not speak for yourself. It can also name a health care agent, a trusted person who makes decisions on your behalf.
What is a MOLST form?
The Maryland Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form is a medical order signed by your doctor or nurse practitioner. It turns your wishes about treatments such as CPR into orders that emergency and hospital staff follow.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. Maryland advance directives do not require a lawyer, and they relate only to your health care choices. If you have legal questions about your estate or finances, we suggest you speak with an attorney.
What if I’m treated outside Maryland?
Through CRISP’s connections with other health information networks, authorized providers in many other states can view your documents. We’ll also give you copies to carry with you.
Can I change my wishes later?
Yes, at any time. Just contact us and we’ll update your documents and the record your providers see.
Is my family told what I decide?
Only if you want them to be. We encourage you to share your wishes with your health care agent and loved ones, and we can help with that conversation.
How much does it cost?
Your visit with our providers is covered by insurance, including Medicare.
The best time to share your wishes is before they’re needed.
Let’s start the conversation. Schedule a free consultation with a licensed health care professional today.
Advance care planning (My Wishes at Sunset) provides planning support and does not provide legal advice. In an emergency, call 911. CRISP is a trademark of its owner, used with permission.
Help a neighbor stay safe at home.
Give, volunteer, or partner with us. Every gift and every hour keeps equipment clean, repaired, and ready to loan.
Make a financial gift
Gifts help us buy new equipment and sanitize and repair donated items so they are safe to loan. To give, call us or ask about mailing a gift to 1801 Glen Keith Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21234.
Call to giveVolunteer
We need people for sorting donated equipment, cleaning and sanitizing, deliveries, and the front desk. Call or email to tell us what you would like to do.
Email usSponsor or partner with us
Businesses, foundations, and health systems can support the Loan Closet, the Thriving Geriatric Assessment, and My Wishes at Sunset. Contact us to talk about sponsorship and grant partnerships.
Contact usInformation for living well at home
Guides for choosing equipment, staying safe, and finding help in Baltimore County and Maryland.
About durable medical equipment
Durable medical equipment (DME) is equipment a doctor may prescribe for use at home, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds. The right item depends on your needs, your home, and your health care provider’s advice. Ask your provider, or call us, before you choose. What Medicare and insurance cover varies.
Read more at Medicare.govAging in place
Small changes lower the risk of a fall at home.
- Remove loose rugs and clear walkways
- Add grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on stairs
- Use bright lighting, including night lights on the path to the bathroom
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach
- Ask about a home safety review with our Thriving team
Community resources
- Baltimore County Department of Aging
- Maryland Access Point
- 211 Maryland
- Local transportation services
Neighbors helping neighbors since 1952
Ninth District Health, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to help older adults and neighbors with illness, injury, or disability live well and age in place.
How we began
In October 1951, a small group of women gathered at the Joppa Road home of Mrs. T. Lyde Mason to talk about the health needs of their community. A few months later, on February 21, 1952, twelve women met at the Health Center at Washington and Susquehanna Avenues in Towson. They were inspired by Mrs. Edwin K. Gontrum, chairman of the Civics Group of the Woman’s Club of Towson. Their goal was simple: to organize volunteers who would help the Baltimore County Health Department’s public health clinics serve their neighbors.
That meeting became the Ninth District Health Committee. Our first funds were $632.91, a check from a Towson casualty station fund left over from World War II. Everything after that was built on the generosity of our community.
- 1951A small group of women meets in a Towson home to talk about community health needs.
- 1952Twelve women organize the Ninth District Health Committee on February 21.
- Loan ClosetBecomes our main project and never stops.
- AssessmentWe add geriatric assessment to catch risks early.
- TodayAdvance care planning, recorded through CRISP.
Seventy years of showing up
From the beginning, our volunteers went wherever they were needed. They:
- Staffed public health clinics for polio, diabetes detection, and measles
- Ran the county’s Mobile X-ray Unit entirely with volunteers
- Visited the families of polio victims every month, bringing food, clothing, and gifts for the children
- Sewed layettes and cancer dressings for the American Cancer Society
- Stuffed 10,000 to 15,000 Christmas Seal envelopes each year for the fight against tuberculosis
- Served patients at Mt. Wilson, Springfield, Spring Grove, Sheppard Pratt, and the Greater Baltimore Medical Center
- Helped buy a respirator so patients with breathing problems could go home from the hospital
At the Towson Health Center on Orchard Tree Lane, the Committee also ran a Loan Closet of sickroom equipment. Clinic services and loan closet equipment were always provided at no charge. When families couldn’t afford the medicines their public health nurse or doctor recommended, the Committee provided those too.
The Loan Closet today
Of all our early work, the Loan Closet is the one that never stopped. Today it is the heart of our organization. We provide wheelchairs, walkers, Hoyer lifts, shower chairs, and other equipment at no cost to anyone with an illness, injury, or disability. Every item is donated by a neighbor or bought through grants, then cleaned, sanitized, and repaired before it goes to a new home.
Seeing a greater need
Through the Loan Closet, we came to know our seniors and their families well. We saw that equipment alone was no longer enough. Many older adults we served were becoming frail. They were falling, managing complex medications, and facing memory changes. Too often, these risks went unnoticed until a crisis forced a move to a nursing home.
So, as our founders did in 1952, we responded to what our community needed.
Three programs, one mission
- Medical Equipment Loan Closet: free equipment that helps people stay safe at home.
- Thriving Geriatric Assessment: a whole-person screening built on the 4Ms of age-friendly care (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility), with referrals to the services that help older adults stay strong and independent.
- My Wishes at Sunset: help putting health care wishes into writing, recorded through CRISP so a person’s care team can see them wherever they receive care.
Our promise
Our founders believed that good health starts with neighbors who care. Seventy years later, we still believe it. We just have more ways to help.
“Search all your parks in all your cities, you’ll find no statues to committees.”
Our members shared this verse in 1972, on our twentieth anniversary. It is still true. Our work has never been about any one person. It has been about many people, each doing their part, so that our neighbors can live well at home.
From our archive
Photographs and papers from our first decades. Select any one to enlarge it.
Our team
Our team brings together geriatric specialists, nurses, social workers, physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists, nutritionists, and trusted partners in geriatric care. Together, we work alongside each person, their family, and their primary care provider to help them age with dignity, wherever they call home.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about borrowing and donating equipment. For the geriatric assessment or advance care planning, see those program pages.
Who can borrow equipment?
Seniors, and anyone with an illness, injury, or disability.
Is there really no cost?
Yes. Equipment is loaned at no cost.
Do I need a prescription from my doctor?
Call (410) 665-0898 and ask about the item you need. We will tell you whether a prescription or referral is required.
How long can I keep the equipment?
Ask us when you borrow. We will explain the loan length and how to extend it.
Do you deliver?
You can pick up your item or ask about delivery when you call.
How do I return equipment?
Bring it back to the Loan Closet at 1801 Glen Keith Blvd when you are finished. Call first if the item is damaged.
What equipment can I donate?
Clean, working equipment in good repair. We cannot accept items with missing parts, recalled products, or used personal-care items. See Donate.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Ninth District Health, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Call us and ask about donation receipts.
Can I request equipment for a family member?
Yes. Call us and tell us who the equipment is for.
What if the item I need isn’t available?
Availability changes daily. Call us and tell us what you need. We can check what we have and point you to other resources.
We’re happy to help.
Call, email, send us a message below, or visit the Loan Closet. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
Send us a message
Tell us what you need and how to reach you. We will call or email you back. This is for requests and questions, not emergencies.
Call for office hours, parking, and accessibility information for the Loan Closet.