It is declared the policy of the State of Maryland that the elderly persons of the State should have access to a comprehensive range of community services to enable them to remain in their own homes and other independent living arrangements, consistent with their desires, abilities, and safety. To implement this policy, the Department of Employment and Social Services, with the advice and assistance of the Department of Aging and the State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, is responsible for the administration of a system of community services for the elderly that will serve as an effective alternative to any inappropriate institutional care for the elderly. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the community services under this program be available to all elderly persons, but that those elderly persons who are financially able to do so shall pay all or a portion of the costs thereof.