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Author: Home Helpers® Home Care

When a parent or loved one starts to need extra support, one of the most overwhelming parts of the process is simply figuring out what’s available. Montgomery County, Maryland, is home to a wide range of programs and services for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. But finding the right resource at the right time can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you’re already managing the emotional and practical demands of caregiving.

This guide is designed to be a starting point. It brings together the most important local, state, and federal resources available to seniors and families in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, and throughout Montgomery County. Whether you’re looking for help at home, financial assistance, caregiver support, or community programs, you’ll find a clear overview of each resource and how to access it.

Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services operates an Aging and Disability Services division that serves as the hub for senior care in the county. Within this division, the Aging and Disability Resource Unit (ADRU) is the primary point of contact for anyone seeking information, assistance, or referrals.

ADRU specialists can help with a wide range of needs, from understanding what programs you may qualify for to completing applications for benefits and services. The unit provides eligibility screenings, referrals to county programs and nonprofit organizations, and connections to private services when needed. There is no fee for ADRU services, and anyone can call on behalf of a senior, a person with a disability, or themselves.

How to reach ADRU: Call 240-777-3000. The office is open Monday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Key programs available through Aging and Disability Services include:

• Senior Care Program. Provides case management and support services for people age 65 and older who are at risk of nursing home placement. Eligible adults may qualify for in-home help with personal care, chores, medications, medical equipment, adult day care, respite care, home-delivered meals, transportation, and emergency response systems. Learn more at the Senior Care Program page.
• Caregiver Support Program. Offers resources and support for family members and informal caregivers, including information and referrals, respite care, and connections to caregiver support groups. Respite care services are operated through The Arc of Montgomery County and can be initiated by calling 301-816-9647. Visit the Caregiver Program page for details.
• Home Care Services. Provides personal care assistance to seniors and eligible adults with disabilities who are unable to manage independently. Services include personal care, chore assistance, therapeutic support, and escorted transportation.

Maryland Access Point (MAP)

Maryland Access Point, commonly known as MAP, is the state’s single-entry-point system for individuals seeking long-term support services. Think of MAP as a “no wrong door” approach: no matter where you start, MAP counselors can help you navigate the full range of programs and services available to older adults and people with disabilities across the state.

MAP provides personalized, one-on-one assistance including information about available services and supports in healthcare, transportation, financial aid, food services, housing, and caregiving. Counselors can help with eligibility screenings for Medicaid programs, assist with applications for benefits like energy assistance and property tax credits, and connect families with community-based providers.

How to reach MAP: Call 1-844-627-5465 (1-844-MAP-LINK) or visit marylandaccesspoint.211md.org. In Montgomery County, MAP services are integrated into the ADRU office at 240-777-3000.

Medicaid Waiver Programs for Home Care in Maryland

Maryland offers several Medicaid waiver programs designed to help eligible individuals receive care at home or in the community rather than in a nursing facility. These programs can be a significant source of support for families who qualify, though eligibility requirements and wait times vary.

Community Options Waiver (CO Waiver)

Formerly known as the Waiver for Older Adults, the Community Options Waiver provides home and community-based services to Maryland residents who are 65 and older (or 18 and older with a physical disability) and who meet nursing-home-level-of-care criteria. Services can include personal care assistance, adult day health care, assisted living services, respite care, home-delivered meals, and case management. Income limits are set at 300 percent of the federal benefit rate (approximately $2,901 per month in 2025). There is currently a significant waitlist for community applicants, with over 24,000 people on the registry as of early 2025. To add your name to the waitlist, call MAP at 1-844-627-5465.

Community First Choice (CFC)

Community First Choice is a Medicaid program that provides personal care and other support services to help individuals remain in their homes. Unlike the CO Waiver, CFC does not have a waitlist, making it accessible to eligible individuals more quickly. Services focus on assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. To learn more about eligibility, contact the ADRU at 240-777-3000 or visit the Home and Community Based Programs page.

Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS)

CPAS provides personal assistance services to Medicaid-eligible individuals who need help with daily activities. Like CFC, this program does not limit the number of participants and does not maintain a waitlist, making it another option for families seeking timely support.

Veterans Benefits for Home Care

Veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible for home care benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits can make a meaningful difference in affording the cost of in-home care.

• Aid and Attendance. This VA pension benefit provides a monthly allowance to veterans and surviving spouses who need regular assistance with daily activities or who are housebound. The benefit can be used to help cover the cost of in-home care, assisted living, or other long-term care. Eligibility depends on service history, income, and level of care needed.
• VA Community Care Network. The VA partners with community-based providers to deliver care to eligible veterans closer to home. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare may be able to receive home-based services through this network if VA facilities cannot provide timely or geographically accessible care.
• Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. This program supports family members who provide personal care to eligible veterans. Benefits can include a monthly stipend, access to healthcare through the VA, mental health counseling, and respite care.

How to learn more: Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov. The Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission at 240-773-0390 can also help local veterans navigate benefits.

Local Senior Centers and Community Programs

Montgomery County operates and supports a network of senior centers and community programs throughout the county. These centers offer social activities, fitness classes, educational programs, meals, and more. They are also a good point of connection for seniors who are looking to stay active and engaged in their communities. For a full list of programs, visit the Montgomery County Recreation Department senior programs page.

Some of the senior centers and recreational programs serving the Bethesda and surrounding areas include:

• Bethesda community recreation programs, including fitness and wellness classes designed for adults 55 and older.
• Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center in Silver Spring, which offers a wide range of classes, trips, and social activities.
• Holiday Park Senior Center in Wheaton, one of the largest senior centers in the county.
• Long Branch Senior Center in Silver Spring, serving a diverse community with programming in multiple languages.
• Damascus Senior Center and other regional centers throughout Montgomery County.

For general information about senior recreation programs, call 240-777-6840.

Transportation Services for Seniors

Getting to appointments, errands, and social activities is one of the most common challenges for seniors who no longer drive. Montgomery County offers several transportation options. For a full overview, visit the Montgomery County Senior Transportation page.

• Ride On. Montgomery County’s public bus system, Ride On, provides free bus service for all riders as of 2025. Ride On extRa is a paratransit service for individuals who are unable to use fixed-route buses due to a disability.
• MetroAccess. A shared-ride, door-to-door paratransit service operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for individuals who cannot use regular Metrobus or Metrorail service.
• Connect-A-Ride. A free information and referral service operated by the Jewish Council for the Aging that helps seniors and adults with disabilities find transportation options. Call 301-738-3252.
• Senior Connection of Montgomery County. Senior Connection is a nonprofit that matches volunteers with seniors age 56 and older for free transportation to medical appointments and the grocery store. Call 301-962-0820.
• Non-medical home care providers. Many home care agencies, including Home Helpers of Bethesda, provide transportation as part of their care services, including accompaniment to appointments, the pharmacy, and social activities.

Caregiver Support Resources

If you’re a family caregiver, it’s important to know that support is available for you as well. Caregiving is demanding, and accessing the right resources can help you sustain your role over the long term without sacrificing your own health and well-being.

• Montgomery County Caregiver Support Program. Provides information, referrals, respite care, and caregiver education through the county’s Aging and Disability Services division. Call 240-777-3000.
• Holy Cross Health Caregiver Resource Center. Offers caregiver support groups, educational workshops, and resources for families caring for loved ones with a range of conditions.
• Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area Chapter. Provides a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900), caregiver support groups, education programs, and care consultation. Visit alz.org.
• AARP Caregiving Resources. Offers free online tools, guides, and a caregiving community forum. Visit aarp.org/caregiving.
• Family Caregiver Alliance. A national nonprofit providing education, services, and advocacy for family caregivers. Visit caregiver.org.

Additional Resources Worth Knowing About

• Senior Call Check. A free program that provides daily check-in calls to older adults who live alone. If the senior cannot be reached, a designated emergency contact is notified. Available through Maryland Access Point.
• File of Life. A free red magnetic pocket that attaches to the refrigerator and provides emergency personnel with quick access to critical medical information. Available through the ADRU at 240-777-3000.
• Montgomery County Senior Property Tax Credit. Homeowners and renters with modest incomes may qualify for a property tax credit. Applications are available through the county’s Department of Finance. Visit the Montgomery County Seniors page for more details.
• Meals on Wheels Montgomery County. Meals on Wheels Montgomery County provides nutritious home-delivered meals and safety checks to homebound seniors throughout the county. The Senior Nutrition Program also offers congregate meals at 10 senior center locations. Call 240-777-3810 for information.

How Home Helpers of Bethesda Fits Into Your Care Plan

Navigating the landscape of senior resources can be complex, and no single program covers every need. That’s where private in-home care fills an important gap. At Home Helpers of Bethesda, we provide non-medical home care services for seniors, post-surgery patients, and individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout Montgomery County. Our services include personal care, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and transportation.

We also understand the local resource landscape and can help connect families with programs and services that complement the care we provide. Whether you’re using Medicaid waiver services, VA benefits, or simply looking for additional support, we work alongside your family to ensure your loved one receives comprehensive, coordinated care.

Let Us Help You Find the Right Support

If you’re exploring care options for a loved one in Bethesda, Silver Spring, Chevy Chase, Kensington, or anywhere in Montgomery County, we’re here to help. Home Helpers of Bethesda offers free in-home consultations to help families understand their options, assess their loved one’s needs, and build a care plan that works.

Call us today at 301-517-9557 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. You’ve already taken an important step by researching your options. We’re here for whatever comes next.

Sources

1. Montgomery County Aging and Disability Resource Unit — https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/ADSADSResourceUnit-p179.html
2. Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services, Caregiver Program — https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/ADSCareGivePgm-p187.html
3. Montgomery County Home and Community Based Programs — https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/HomeCommBasedSvs.html
4. Maryland Access Point (MAP) — https://marylandaccesspoint.211md.org/
5. Maryland Community Options Waiver — https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/maryland-community-options-waiver/
6. Maryland Department of Health, Home and Community-Based Services — https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/waiverprograms/pages/home.aspx
7. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — https://www.va.gov/
8. Senior Connection of Montgomery County — https://www.seniorconnectionmc.org/
9. Meals on Wheels Montgomery County — https://mowmc.org/
10. Montgomery County Senior Transportation — https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/transportation.html
11. Connect-A-Ride (Jewish Council for the Aging) — https://accessjca.org/connect-a-ride/