Resources for Families & Caregivers
Welcome to our resource page for clients, caregivers and community members.
Below are some links to support you while caring for the aging community and families throughout the area.
IN-HOME CARE
CarePlus Home Health, Inc. is following the CDC guidelines at this time.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
LOCAL RESOURCES
https://www.asaging.org/blog/
NATIONAL RESOURCES
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/
AARP: https://www.aarp.org/
CORONAVIRUS TESTING SITES
Getting tested for the coronavirus is not like getting a flu shot. If you are seeking a coronavirus test, you must have a doctor’s referral and meet the hospital or clinic’s screening criteria.
As of this week, you can find testing in Montgomery County at the following sites, in addition to nearby counties.
Kaiser Permanente has testing sites for its members in Gaithersburg.
Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center has coronavirus testing only for critically ill patients who are likely to need hospitalization.
Some MedStar Health Centers, with multiple locations in the region, are testing for the virus. Patients are asked to call the clinic or hospital first.
Holy Cross Hospitals, in Silver Spring and Germantown, have tents to triage patients with influenza-like illnesses, including the novel coronavirus.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, The Montgomery County Food Council has important information on available food assistance resources, as well as opportunities for individuals and organizations to support community needs.
• Many organizations, including Manna Food Center, the Capital Area Food Bank and Meals on Wheels also have information about food assistance programs.
• An additional resource for members of the immigrant community is The Charles W. Gilchrist Center. Although their physical sites are closed now, you can receive information in English or Spanish about food, healthcare or other financial assistance at 240-777-4940, Mon.- Fri., 9am – 5pm.
MCPS REMOTE LEARNING PROGRAM
With Montgomery County Public Schools closed until April 24, 2020, learning activities and materials are now available online, with print materials being sent to students’ homes. MCPS is also providing Chromebooks for students who do not have access to a computer or laptop.
If your student doesn’t have the digital tools to participate in the online learning environment, call 240-740-7023 for assistance.
To further support students’ online activities, Comcast is offering free WiFi access through its Internet Essentials Program.
SCHOOL & LEARNING
MCPS COVID-19 updates
https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/school-resources
Learning activities and materials are now available online through the MCPS Classroom.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/contingency/
MEALS
Maryland Meals Site Search (school lunches while at home)
https://mars.msde.maryland.gov/mars_sitesearch/
Specifically in Montgomery County, here is where parents can take their students to get meals while schools are closed:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/coronavirus/#emergencymeals
CHILDCARE
Maryland is working on providing daycare for healthcare providers. Essential personnel working in response to the COVID-19 pandemic who require child care are immediately able to register for these services by calling 1-877-261-0060.
Here is a specific website issued by Maryland governor to help parents find a childcare program:
https://www.marylandexcels.org/
For more information about Child Care:
FREE INTERNET ACCESS
In the event that our caregivers do not have internet access, Comcast has announced that the new Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of service:
https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19