RespiteCare.aiSupporting family caregivers
Maryland family caregiver receiving information about respite care programs and local resources

Last Updated: November 24, 2025

Respite Care in Maryland

Maryland family caregivers can access respite care through multiple state Medicaid waiver programs, the Maryland Department of Aging, and local Area Agencies on Aging. The Community Options Waiver provides comprehensive in-home and community-based services including respite care, while veterans have access to specialized VA programs. Understanding Maryland-specific resources helps you find affordable, quality respite care in your community.

Maryland Medicaid Waiver Programs

Community Options Waiver

Maryland's largest waiver program serving adults with disabilities and seniors who need nursing facility level of care but want to remain in the community.

Respite Care Coverage

  • In-home respite: Up to 480 hours per year (approximately 40 hours per month)
  • Out-of-home respite: Care in licensed facilities when needed
  • Emergency respite: Immediate care for crisis situations
  • Caregiver support: Training and counseling services

Community Options Waiver Eligibility

  • Age: 18 years or older
  • Residency: Maryland resident
  • Financial: Must meet Medicaid income and asset limits
  • Medical: Require nursing facility level of care but can be safely served in community
  • Assessment: Completed by Maryland Department of Health evaluator

2025 Income Limits (approximate)

  • Individual: $2,829 per month (300% of SSI)
  • Couple: Varies based on individual circumstances
  • Asset limit: $2,000 for individual, $3,000 for couple

Note: Limits change annually. Contact Maryland Department of Health for current figures.

Other Maryland Medicaid Waivers

  • Community First Choice: State plan amendment offering respite and personal care
  • Model Waiver: For adults with developmental disabilities (includes respite)
  • Older Adults Waiver: For seniors 50+ with nursing home level of care needs
  • Living at Home Waiver: Supports for seniors choosing to remain at home

How to Apply for Maryland Medicaid Waivers

  1. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Maryland Access Point (MAP)
  2. Request functional assessment and waiver application
  3. Complete medical evaluation demonstrating nursing facility level of care
  4. Submit financial documentation for Medicaid eligibility
  5. Receive approval or waitlist placement (some waivers have waiting lists)

Maryland Department of Aging Programs

Maryland Access Point (MAP)

MAP is Maryland's one-stop resource for aging and disability services:

  • Information and assistance about respite care options
  • Benefits counseling and Medicaid application support
  • Care coordination and service referrals
  • Available through all Area Agencies on Aging
  • Statewide hotline: 1-800-AGE-DIAL (1-800-243-3425)

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

Federal program administered through Maryland Area Agencies on Aging:

  • Respite care services: Short-term relief for caregivers
  • Caregiver education: Training on caregiving skills and stress management
  • Support groups: Peer support and counseling
  • Information services: Resources and referrals
  • Supplemental services: Items that improve caregiver ability to provide care

NFCSP Eligibility

  • Caring for adult age 60 or older, OR
  • Grandparent or older relative (age 55+) raising child under 18, OR
  • Caring for adult with Alzheimer's disease or dementia (any age)
  • Services provided on sliding-scale fee basis

Maryland Area Agencies on Aging

Maryland has 16 local Area Agencies on Aging serving every county. They are your primary resource for respite care information and services.

Southern Maryland Region

Southern Maryland Agency on Aging

Counties served: Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's

Phone: 1-800-762-7137 or 301-396-0009

Website: www.somd.com/agencies/smaaa/

Services: Medicaid waiver enrollment, caregiver support, respite referrals, care management, Maryland Access Point services

Prince George's County

Prince George's County Department of Social Services - Area Agency on Aging

Phone: 301-265-8450

Services: Senior information and assistance, caregiver programs, respite care referrals

Find Your Local Area Agency

Veterans Respite Care in Maryland

VA Medical Centers in Maryland

  • VA Maryland Health Care System (Baltimore): 1-800-463-6295 or 410-605-7000
  • Community-based outpatient clinics: Fort Meade, Glen Burnie, Loch Raven, Perry Point, Charlotte Hall

Maryland VA Respite Services

  • Institutional respite: Up to 30 days per year at VA facilities
  • Adult day health care: VA medical center-based day programs
  • Home-based primary care: Team-based care including respite coordination
  • PCAFC benefits: Monthly stipend, training, and up to 30 days respite for eligible caregivers
  • Community care: VA may authorize non-VA respite providers
  • Hospice care: Respite services through VA hospice programs

Contact: VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or call your nearest VA medical center's social work department.

Maryland Respite Coalition

The Maryland Respite Coalition coordinates respite services statewide:

  • Information about respite options across all ages and disabilities
  • Connections to local providers and voucher programs
  • Advocacy for expanded respite services
  • Resources for caregivers of children and adults
  • Funded through Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration

Respite Care Providers in Southern Maryland

Calvert, St. Mary's, and Charles Counties

Professional In-Home Care Provider - Southern Maryland

Serving Southern Maryland including Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties. Provides in-home respite care services, personal care assistance, dementia care, and companionship services for family caregivers.

(443) 291-7100
comfortkeepers.com/offices/maryland/dunkirk/
Service Areas: Dunkirk, Prince Frederick, La Plata, Leonardtown, Calvert County, Charles County, St. Mary's County
Learn more about respite care in Maryland →

Additional Respite Resources

  • Adult day programs: Contact Southern Maryland Agency on Aging for licensed programs list
  • Residential respite: Assisted living and nursing facilities offer short-term stays
  • Faith-based respite: Many churches and faith communities offer volunteer programs
  • Alzheimer's Association: 1-800-272-3900 for dementia-specific respite referrals
  • The Arc of Southern Maryland: Respite for families of individuals with developmental disabilities

Maryland Respite Care Costs and Payment

Average Costs in Maryland

  • In-home respite care: $22-35 per hour (varies by region)
  • Adult day programs: $70-110 per day
  • Residential respite: $200-325 per day
  • Southern Maryland rates typically lower than Baltimore-Washington metro area

Payment Options

  • Medicaid waivers: Cover eligible services at no cost to participant
  • NFCSP: Sliding-scale fees through Area Agency on Aging
  • VA benefits: May cover all or portion of costs for eligible veterans
  • Long-term care insurance: Many policies include respite care benefits
  • Private pay: Out-of-pocket payment for those not eligible for programs
  • Flexible spending accounts: May be used for respite care with medical necessity letter

How to Access Respite Care in Maryland

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Contact Maryland Access Point (MAP): Call 1-800-AGE-DIAL (1-800-243-3425) to connect with your local Area Agency on Aging
  2. Complete assessment: Functional and financial evaluation for waiver eligibility
  3. Apply for Medicaid waiver if eligible: Submit application with required documentation
  4. Request provider referrals: Get list of licensed respite providers in your area. Many families in Southern Maryland work with providers like professional in-home care agencies at (443) 291-7100.
  5. Interview multiple providers: Compare 2-3 agencies for services, costs, and compatibility
  6. Verify credentials: Check state licensure, insurance, and caregiver backgrounds
  7. Start with trial period: Begin with short visits to ensure good fit
  8. Maintain communication: Regular contact with provider and case manager

Maryland-Specific Caregiver Resources

Support and Education

  • Maryland Caregiver Connect: Resources at aging.maryland.gov
  • Caregiver support groups: Through Area Agencies on Aging, hospitals, and senior centers
  • AARP Maryland Caregiving: Resources and advocacy
  • Maryland NAMI: Support for mental illness caregivers (410-884-8691)
  • Alzheimer's Association: Support groups and education programs statewide

Emergency Assistance

  • 211 Maryland: Dial 211 for emergency respite referrals and crisis support
  • Adult Protective Services: Through local departments of social services if your loved one is in danger
  • Maryland Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009 (24/7 support)

Legal and Financial Planning

  • Maryland Legal Aid: Free legal assistance for eligible seniors (1-800-999-8904)
  • Senior Medicare Patrol: Medicare fraud prevention (410-767-1100)
  • Maryland Health Insurance Counseling: Help understanding benefits

Key Takeaways

  • Community Options Waiver provides up to 480 hours annually of in-home respite for eligible Marylanders
  • Maryland Access Point (MAP) is your single point of contact for all aging and disability services
  • Veterans can access respite through VA Maryland Health Care System
  • National Family Caregiver Support Program offers sliding-scale respite services
  • Southern Maryland residents can contact Southern Maryland Agency on Aging at 1-800-762-7137
  • Multiple funding sources can be combined to make respite care affordable

Related Resources