Respite care demand surges 16% as waitlists grow; Council vote expected this month.
By Ryan Miner | The Senior Soup | January 13, 2026
Federal funding cuts have forced Montgomery County, Maryland, to propose emergency measures to stabilize senior services, with officials warning that hundreds of families are already experiencing longer waitlists, service pauses, and disruptions to nutrition programs.
The Montgomery County Council will formally introduce a $1 million special appropriation today (Tuesday, January 13) to address what Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles called “an urgent crisis triggered by federal and state funding cuts.”
The numbers tell a troubling story:
- 600 families are now enrolled in the county’s respite care program – up from 515 last year, a 16.5% surge in demand.
- More than 300 residents sit on waitlists for home care services.
- And the loss of approximately $3 million in federal COVID-era funding has destabilized nutrition programs for older adults.
What the Funding Would Cover
The proposed $1 million appropriation, drawn from county reserves, would be distributed across three critical areas:
- Senior Nutrition Programs: $400,000 – to restore meal delivery and congregate dining services disrupted by the loss of federal funding
- In-Home Care Services: $300,000 – to address the waitlist of over 300 residents who need help with daily activities to remain in their homes
- Minority Health Initiatives: $300,000 – to support health equity programs serving vulnerable populations who experience persistent health disparities
The funding comes as demand for aging services continues to climb.
The Arc Montgomery County, which holds the county contract to coordinate respite care services, is experiencing that surge firsthand.
The nonprofit connects families with trained caregivers who provide short-term relief – a few hours, days, or longer – so primary caregivers can attend to other responsibilities or rest.
Enrollment in the respite program has grown from 515 families to 600 over the past year.
How Federal Cuts Created a Local Crisis in Montgomery County
The emergency appropriation responds to officials’ descriptions of a cascade of federal funding reductions that have disrupted local services.
The most significant blow arrived when the federal government failed to renew approximately $3 million in one-time COVID-19 funding for senior nutrition programs; that funding had helped sustain meal delivery services for homebound older adults and congregate dining programs at senior centers.
Councilmember Sayles, who chairs the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee, said the funding cuts have already forced “service interruptions, intake closures, and rapidly growing waitlists.”
“At a time when families are facing rising costs, seniors are denied access to essential nutrition programs, and communities of color continue to experience persistent health inequities, doing nothing is not an option,” Sayles said in a statement.
Broad Support From Montgomery County Council
The resolution is co-sponsored by Council President Natali Fani-González and Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Kristin Mink, signaling broad support for the measure.
“When the federal government falls short, we’re going to step up and make sure residents have access to critical services,” said Councilmember Mink.
Dr. James C. Bridgers, director of the county’s Department of Health and Human Services, said the funding would help stabilize programs “at a time of unprecedented demand and financial uncertainty.”
Public Hearing Scheduled for January 27
The Council will formally introduce the resolution at its meeting on Tuesday, January 13
A public hearing is scheduled for January 27, allowing residents to voice support or concerns before a final vote.
The funding would come from the county’s reserve funds.
County officials noted that fiscal reserves currently exceed policy targets, making an emergency appropriation feasible without raising taxes.
The Bigger Picture
Montgomery County’s situation reflects a broader challenge facing communities across Maryland and the nation.
Federal funding for older adult and senior services – including programs authorized under the Older Americans Act – faces uncertainty, with the current authorization set to expire on January 30.
Meanwhile, AARP Maryland has unveiled its 2026 legislative priorities, which include fraud protection for older adults, brain health and dementia education, and strengthened oversight of long-term care facilities.
The Maryland General Assembly session begins Wednesday, January 14.
You Can Get Involved
Montgomery County residents who wish to participate in the public hearing on January 27 can register via the County Council website.
Written testimony can also be submitted.
For more information about senior services in Montgomery County, contact the Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services division at (240) 777-3000. This line has extended hours (until 7:30 PM) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Families seeking respite care can contact The Arc Montgomery County at (301) 984-5777.
About The Senior Soup: The Senior Soup provides news, resources, and information for older adults and their families in Maryland. For more stories like this, visit theseniorsoup.com.
Ryan Miner, MBA | Co-Founder and Podcast Host | The Senior Soup
Hi, I'm Ryan!
I co-founded The Senior Soup Soup with Raquel Micit in September 2022. Together, we host The Senior Soup Podcast.
I am a community relations manager for Ennoble Care in Maryland, where I am responsible for marketing our home-based primary care healthcare practice.
I have over 15 years experience in healthcare, senior services, senior care, marketing, public policy, and search engine optimization.
I have a MBA from Mount St. Mary's University and a BA from Duquesne University.