For most questions about help for an older adult in Montgomery County, the first call is the county’s Aging and Disability Resource Unit at 240-777-3000. The call is free, and staff can explain county programs, assess needs and refer you onward. For rides, Medicare questions and caregiver training, there are separate free services listed below.
This guide lists free and low-cost starting points run by Montgomery County and the State of Maryland. It does not cover every program, and eligibility for some services depends on age, income or need, so confirm the details with each program directly.
Start with one call: the Aging and Disability Resource Unit
The Aging and Disability Resource Unit (ADRU) is part of Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services. It gives seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers hands-on help, information and referrals, by phone or in person. It is also the county’s local office of Maryland Access Point, the state’s single entry point for long-term services and supports.
Through the ADRU, people can ask about:
- Information, referrals and assessments of what help is needed
- Home-delivered and group meals
- Caregiver support, counseling and respite
- Case management and crisis help for adults who qualify
- Concerns about an adult who may be at risk
The county lists ADRU hours as 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, and 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Before you call, jot down your parent’s address, age, what tasks are getting harder, and any recent hospital stays. It makes the conversation faster.
Who to call for what
Once you know what you need, these are the most direct numbers. All are free to call.
| If you need… | Call | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| General help, meals, caregiver support, long-term care questions | ADRU, 240-777-3000 | Information, assessment and referral for seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers |
| Help finding a ride | Connect-A-Ride, 301-738-3252 | Free information and referral on transportation for adults over 50 and adults with disabilities |
| Discounted taxi rides on a low income | Call-n-Ride, 301-948-5409 | County program for lower-income older adults and adults with disabilities; ask about eligibility |
| Medicare questions | SHIP, 301-255-4250 | Free, unbiased Medicare counseling, including help with enrollment and costs |
| Statewide long-term care options | Maryland Access Point, 1-844-627-5465 | State entry point for community services, including the Medicaid waiver registry |
| Anything else county-related | MC311, 311 (240-777-0311 from outside the county) | County information line, including requests for a File of Life packet |
Getting around: free and low-cost rides
Losing the car keys is often what makes a parent feel stuck at home. Montgomery County has several options:
- Connect-A-Ride does not drive anyone itself. It is a free information line, open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., that helps adults over 50 and adults with disabilities find transportation for medical visits, errands and social activities.
- Ride On buses are free for everyone. The county made all MCDOT buses fare-free starting June 29, 2025.
- Metrobus routes in the county are free for riders 65 and older with a Senior SmarTrip card, or a Medicare card with a current photo ID, according to MCDOT.
- Call-n-Ride offers discounted taxi trips for lower-income older adults and residents with disabilities. Age and income rules apply, so call to check.
Our areas page lists the Montgomery County towns this site covers, from Bethesda and Silver Spring to Clarksburg.
Support for family caregivers
If you are the one doing the helping, the county offers support aimed at you, not just your parent.
- Free online caregiver training. Montgomery County DHHS partners with Trualta to give county caregivers free access to practical training on topics like daily care, managing stress and planning ahead. Register at care4mc.trualta.com.
- Family Caregiver Program. Information, referrals, help accessing services and caregiver education, reached through the ADRU.
- Respite. Ask the ADRU about respite options, which give caregivers a planned break. Our respite care page explains how respite companionship works in general.
Free safety tools to have at home
One of the simplest free resources is the File of Life, a red magnetic packet that holds a person’s key medical information for first responders. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service offers packets free to county residents: call 311 to have one mailed, or print the insert from the county’s website and keep it in a labeled plastic bag. The county asks that it be hung on the outside front of the refrigerator, where responders know to look.
While you are at it, a quick home check helps: working smoke alarms, clear walkways, good lighting on stairs, and a list of emergency contacts by the phone.
Medicare questions without the sales pitch
Medicare decisions are confusing, and many people who call about plans are talking to someone who sells them. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is different: it offers free, unbiased counseling to people with Medicare. In Montgomery County, SHIP is reached at 301-255-4250. Counselors can explain options and help check whether someone may qualify for help with Medicare costs. This guide does not give eligibility advice; SHIP and Medicare.gov are the places to get it.
For a broader picture of care options and costs, see our guides to home care options in Montgomery County and what in-home care costs.
Common questions
Who do I call first for help for a senior in Montgomery County?
The county’s Aging and Disability Resource Unit at 240-777-3000. It offers information, referrals and assessments for seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers, and is the local Maryland Access Point office.
Is there free transportation help for older adults in Montgomery County?
Connect-A-Ride (301-738-3252) is a free information and referral line that helps adults over 50 and adults with disabilities find rides. Ride On buses are fare-free for everyone, according to MCDOT.
Where can I get free help with Medicare questions?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. In Montgomery County, call 301-255-4250.
Sources
- Montgomery County: Aging and Disability Resource Unit
- Montgomery County: Transportation for seniors
- MCDOT: Transportation services for older adults and persons with disabilities
- Montgomery County: Caregiving (Trualta)
- Montgomery County Fire and Rescue: File of Life
- Maryland Department of Aging: SHIP
- Maryland Department of Aging: Maryland Access Point
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Phone numbers and programs were checked on the date shown above; confirm details with the agency before you rely on them.