Family Caregiver Resources for Maryland

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

Office of Adult Services Respite Care Program (800-332-6347) Offers short-term care to provide rest and renewal to primary family caregivers by relieving them of caregiving duties. The program serves children and adults with developmental disabilities and adults with functional disabilities and their families.

Veterans Administration Caregiver Support Program (410-605-7000, ext. 54143 | 855-260-3274) Offers services for veterans and their caregivers. Whether the veteran and caregiver could use some help at home or just need someone to talk to, learn more about the variety of family caregiving services it offers.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (800-332-6347) Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.

Home Energy Programs (800-332-6347) Helps eligible households with home energy expenses, which may include heating/cooling bill payment, crisis bill payment and/or heating/cooling equipment repair/replacement.

Maryland Legal Aid Senior Legal Helpline (866-635-2948) Free telephone service for adults aged 60 and over staffed by attorneys who provide legal advice, brief legal services or a referral to another lawyer or appropriate public or private agency.

Pro Bono Counseling (410-825-1001) Partners with licensed professionals who volunteer their services on a pro bono basis, ensuring equal access to quality mental health care statewide.

NeedyMeds (800-503-6897) Connects people to programs that will help them afford their medications and other health care costs.

Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (800-551-5995) Provides financial assistance to moderate-income residents who are eligible for Medicare and are enrolled in a prescription drug plan.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (800-243-3425 | 410-767-1100) Helps Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, their families and caregivers understand health insurance benefits, bills and rights. Trained staff and volunteer counselors statewide provide in-person and telephone assistance.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (800-677-1116) Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems, including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.

Senior Assisted Living Subsidy Program (410-767-1100; 800-243 3425) Helps low- to moderate-income adults age 62 years and older pay for assisted living services they would otherwise be unable to afford including meals, personal care and 24-hour supervision.

Area Agencies on Aging (844-627-5465) Local agencies provide a variety of adult services, incorporating assisted living, protective services and temporary disability programs.

Eldercare Locator (800-677-1116) Connects older adults and their families with local support resources, including help with meals, home care, transportation, respite care and caregiver training.

Maryland Access Point (844-627-5465) State’s resource gateway for older adults and individuals with disabilities, offering information about community services such as assisted living, meals, medication management, Medicare, Medicaid, caregiver support, transportation, personal care, healthy living and resources for dealing with issues like Alzheimer’s, dementia, chronic diseases and brain injury.

Office of Adult Services (800-332-6347) Focuses on the needs of elderly, disabled and vulnerable adults. The office coordinates with community- based organizations and local services to aid the vulnerable adult population and promote their safety, stability and independence.

SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline (877-360-5428) Provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in both English and Spanish.

Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland (410-891-5741) Provides information about hospice and palliative care resources including end-of-life and advance directive resources for patients, caregivers and families, a Find a Hospice tool and a Palliative Care Directory.

CaringMatters (301-869-4673) Offers peer support groups, resources and related programs such as a free annual bereaved caregivers retreat for adults and caregivers grieving the death of a loved one.