Need a Break from Caregiving? Montgomery County Respite Care and Support Options

If you care for an older adult in Montgomery County and need a few hours to rest, run errands, or handle your own appointments, start with two local resources: the County’s Aging and Disability Resource Unit and The Arc Montgomery County’s respite program. As of September 28, 2026, The Arc says its FY 2027 respite application is open for adults age 60 and older.

I put this guide together to make the next step easier. It explains whom to call, what to ask before applying, where transportation may fit in, and why Medicare usually is not the answer for ongoing non-medical care.

What respite care is—and what it is not

Respite care is short-term relief for a primary caregiver. It can give you time to rest, attend an appointment, spend time with other family members, or simply step away from caregiving responsibilities for a while. The National Institute on Aging’s respite-care guide is a helpful plain-language overview.

Respite is not the same as replacing a full-time care arrangement. The setting, length of service, cost, caregiver qualifications, and available funding can vary. That is why I would verify the details of the local program before making plans around it.

Start with Montgomery County’s Aging and Disability Resource Unit

The Montgomery County Aging and Disability Resource Unit (ADRU) serves seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers. The unit helps residents define what they need, locate services, and navigate application processes.

Phone: 240-777-3000

I would call ADRU first if you are not sure whether you need respite care, home-care information, adult day services, transportation, a long-term-care assessment, or a combination of resources. A single conversation can help you avoid calling programs that do not fit the situation.

When you call, be ready to explain the care recipient’s age, where they live, the type of help they need, whether they can be left alone, and whether you are looking for occasional relief or a more regular arrangement. You do not need to diagnose the solution yourself; the point of the call is to get directed to the right place.

The Arc Montgomery County’s respite option for adults 60+

The Arc Montgomery County has a Respite Coordination for Seniors page specifically for adults age 60 and older. The organization states that its FY 2027 application is currently open and that the program is funded primarily through a contract with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.

Respite contact: 301-984-5777, extension 1204

Email: respite@thearcmoco.org

The public page does not spell out every eligibility rule, fee, subsidy amount, service setting, or wait time. I would not assume that an open application guarantees immediate service. Call or email before gathering paperwork so you can confirm whether the program fits your household and what documentation is currently required.

Questions to ask before you submit an application

• Does the person receiving care meet the current age, residency, and functional-need requirements?

• Is there a fee, sliding scale, subsidy, or funding limit?

• Can care be provided at home, in a community program, or in another approved setting?

• Who chooses the respite caregiver, and what training or screening is required?

• How many hours or days may be approved, and how quickly can service begin?

• Is there a waiting list, and does an approval expire at the end of the fiscal year?

• Which forms, identification, health information, or professional verification are required?

Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with. Respite arrangements often involve several moving parts, and a simple call log can save a lot of confusion later.

Transportation may be part of the solution

Sometimes the caregiver does not need someone in the home; the immediate problem is getting an older adult to an appointment, senior center, adult day program, or other activity safely. Connect-A-Ride is a free information and referral service for Montgomery County seniors and adults of all ages with disabilities.

Its mobility specialists help people compare transportation options and understand schedules, benefits, and eligibility requirements. You can call 301-738-3252 or email ConnectARide@jssa.org. The service itself is free, although some transportation options it refers people to may charge a fare or require a separate application.

Will Medicare pay for respite care?

Usually, Medicare should not be treated as a general source of payment for ongoing caregiver relief or custodial care. Medicare’s long-term-care guidance says most non-medical long-term care is not covered by Medicare or Medigap. That includes help with everyday activities when skilled medical care is not required.

There is a narrower hospice exception. When someone qualifies for the Medicare hospice benefit, the hospice team may arrange short-term inpatient respite care to give a caregiver a break. Medicare says the beneficiary may owe 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for that inpatient respite service. This is part of Medicare-covered hospice care; it is not a general respite benefit for every Medicare enrollee.

If you need help separating an insurance question from a long-term-care or caregiver-support question, Montgomery County residents can also contact Maryland SHIP at 301-255-4250. SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling and does not sell insurance.

For a broader explanation of plan structure, my Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap guide for Maryland residents explains how those coverage paths differ. Just remember that choosing a Medicare plan and arranging non-medical long-term support are separate decisions.

A simple five-step plan for Montgomery County caregivers

1. Call ADRU at 240-777-3000 and describe the care situation in plain language.

2. If the person receiving care is 60 or older, review The Arc’s current senior respite page and confirm eligibility, cost, documentation, and availability.

3. Make a one-page care summary with medications, mobility needs, communication needs, emergency contacts, and the person’s normal routine.

4. If transportation is part of the strain, call Connect-A-Ride at 301-738-3252.

5. Use Montgomery County SHIP for unbiased Medicare questions rather than assuming a health plan will pay for ongoing custodial care.

My suggested next step is simple: if the person you care for is 60 or older, open The Arc’s current respite page and call the respite team before you start collecting documents. Save this guide with your caregiving notes so the local phone numbers are easy to find when you need them.

Forest Brook Financial is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency. Program eligibility, funding, costs, availability, and application requirements can change; confirm current details directly with each organization.