Maryland Department of Aging Partners with Maryland Information Network and Johns Hopkins University to Launch an Innovative Memory Care Resource to Empower Family Caregivers
January 29, 2026
BALTIMORE, MD – Today the Maryland Department of Aging and Johns Hopkins University announce the launch of the Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist, an innovative, evidence-based digital tool designed to help families caring for someone with cognitive challenges identify needs, access information, and connect with supports.
The Checklist, developed by the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in partnership with the Maryland Department of Aging and the Maryland Information Network (powering 211), addresses the growing need for practical support for family caregivers, a top priority of our state’s multisector plan for aging, Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM). It is the first tool of its kind in Maryland, where clinically-validated research is paired with community resources that are tailored to the user’s individual needs.
“We must ensure our caregivers and their loved ones have every tool available to them, and this Checklist is one more critical resource we are proud to offer Marylanders,” said Governor Wes Moore. ”The collaboration between the Maryland Department of Aging, Johns Hopkins University, and the Maryland Information Network is a prime example of how Maryland-based innovation is not just about advancing technology. It’s about improving lives and making an impact. Through LRM and partnerships like these, we are working to build a care infrastructure that leaves no one to face caregiving challenges alone.”
Built on the evidence-based Johns Hopkins Dementia Care Needs Assessment tool, the Checklist guides users through a series of questions across key areas impacting the health and wellbeing of both the person living with memory loss and their caregiver. After completing the assessment, the system prioritizes needs and provides tailored information and resources through a Personalized Report that offers guidance on what to know, what to do, and where to find help. Because the Checklist is fully integrated with the extensive 211 Community Resource Database, the report links directly to Maryland Access Point resources, ensuring caregivers are connected with location-specific supports based on their unique circumstances and preferences.
“Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be a tough job. Family caregivers often find themselves having to provide not only day-to-day care, but also making complicated care decisions with little information while navigating unfamiliar care systems,” said Dr. Quincy Samus, Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. “The Checklist translates decades of clinical know-how and science research into a free, private, and personalized tool that empowers caregivers with action-oriented information on how to support their loved ones while caring for themselves, and ways to find and connect with local resources.”
The Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist joins other Maryland programs that support older adults and people with dementia including a free AD:8 Cognitive Screening Tool to compare signs of normal aging to potential signs of mild cognitive impairment, and training workshops for health care providers in dementia prevalent counties through the University of Maryland Geriatrics and Gerontology Education and Research (GGEAR) program and Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes). In addition, the Maryland Department of Health is currently developing an Alzheimer’s Prevention Data Dashboard that will track the prevalence of dementia across the state.
“The Checklist aligns directly with LRM objectives to provide essential resources for our state’s incredible caregivers,” said Maryland Secretary of Aging Carmel Roques.“People who dedicate their lives to caring for loved ones with dementia face overwhelming challenges and often need guidance on the crucial first steps in developing a comprehensive care plan. This new tool can provide a starting point and practical steps to help families navigate their complex journey with confidence.”
The Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist is endorsed by the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Dementias Council and the Maryland Commission on Caregiving. Development of the Checklist was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government. Insights provided are intended to support early care planning and are not a replacement for clinical diagnostic evaluations or treatment plans.
The Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist is available now and can be accessed at marylandaccesspoint.info/memorycare.
Media Contact:
Barbara Sigler, MDOA Communications Director, barbara.sigler@maryland.gov
| Help for families impacted by memory loss has arrived. Yesterday marked the launch of the much anticipated Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist, an innovative resource to help families caring for someone with cognitive challenges. The first tool of its kind in Maryland that pairs clinically-validated research with community resources tailored to the user’s needs, the Checklist was developed by Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in partnership with the Maryland Information Network and the Maryland Department of Aging. The Checklist guides users through a series of questions in key areas that impact the health and wellbeing of both the caregiver, and the person they support. It evaluates their answers, prioritizes their needs, and provides information, recommendations, and resources to address their specific challenges. It’s private and takes about 15 minutes to complete. |
| For the person living with memory loss, the Checklist assesses: Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changesHome and personal safetyHealth care and future planningDaily routines and meaningful activities | For the caregiver, the Checklist assesses: Health, wellness, and long-term planningEducation and awarenessInformal supports and daily living needs |
| You can access the checklist at marylandaccesspoint.info/memorycare. |