Veterans in Montgomery County: Supporting Services, Independence, and Care at Home

Montgomery County, Maryland is home to thousands of veterans who have proudly served our nation. From Bethesda to Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, and beyond, many of these men and women now live in our neighborhoods as parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends. Their service shaped our country—and as they age, our community has the responsibility and privilege to ensure they can continue living with dignity, independence, and respect.

At Griswold Home Care for Chevy Chase, we are honored to work alongside veterans and their families every day. We understand that veterans’ needs can be unique—shaped by military service, health conditions connected to that service, and a strong desire to remain independent at home. With the right resources and compassionate support, veterans can thrive in familiar surroundings while staying connected to the community they helped protect.

Local Resources for Veterans in Montgomery County

Veterans and their families often find themselves navigating a complex system of benefits, services, and support networks. Fortunately, Montgomery County and the Washington, D.C. region have robust resources to help.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – DC Health Care System

The VA DC Health Care System provides medical services to eligible veterans, including primary care, specialty clinics, rehabilitation, and mental health support. For veterans living in the Chevy Chase–Bethesda area, the Washington DC VA Medical Center and outpatient clinics are important points of care.

Beyond healthcare, the VA offers programs that can help cover the cost of in-home support:

• Homemaker/Home Health Aide (H/HHA) Program – Trained aides can help veterans at home with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
• Respite Services – Short-term relief for family caregivers who need time away, while ensuring the veteran continues to receive care.
• Caregiver Support Program (CSP) – Offers training, peer mentoring, coaching, and resources for family caregivers. Two main branches exist:
  • The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS), available to all enrolled veterans who need help with daily living.
  • The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), for veterans with significant service-connected injuries or disabilities, offering stipends, training, and enhanced respite.

👉 Learn more here: VA Caregiver Support Program

Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit

The Aid and Attendance Pension provides additional monthly income to veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily functions, are bedridden, in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight.

Eligibility is based on service history (wartime service of at least 90 days, with one day during a qualifying war period), medical need, and financial criteria. Current benefit amounts range up to:

• $2,431/month for married veterans
• $2,050/month for single veterans
• $1,318/month for surviving spouses

Griswold also partners nationally with Patriot Angels, which helps families navigate eligibility and the application process. If you’d like more information, reach out to us directly or visit the Patriot Angels website.

The Arc of Montgomery County (ARC)

Another important community partner is the Arc of Montgomery County (ARC), which supports individuals and families living with disabilities. For veterans with service-connected injuries, traumatic brain injury, or other disabilities, ARC offers programs that promote independence, inclusion, and advocacy. Families can access support groups, respite care, and guidance on navigating government benefits.

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

Montgomery County is also home to local posts of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and other service organizations. These groups provide fellowship, financial assistance, and advocacy for veterans and their families. Griswold recently partnered on a presentation about VA benefits with a local VSO, and we recommend this short video overview as a helpful starting point.

Griswold’s Experience Supporting Veterans

At Griswold Home Care for Chevy Chase, we know firsthand how important it is for veterans to maintain independence while receiving the support they need. Many of the veterans we serve want to remain in their homes—close to family, friends, and the community they know.

Our caregivers provide assistance with:

• Personal care (bathing, grooming, mobility support)
• Meal preparation and nutrition
• Medication reminders
• Transportation to appointments, including VA clinics
• Companionship and emotional support

We also work closely with families to coordinate services that align with VA benefits, private insurance, or community programs. By blending resources, we help families create a care plan that honors the veteran’s service and meets their current needs.

A Commitment to Service and Respect

Many of our caregivers have personal ties to the military—whether as veterans themselves or as family members of those who served. This connection often creates an added layer of understanding and respect in the caregiving relationship.

For example, we’ve seen how small gestures—like taking time to listen to a veteran’s service stories, honoring military holidays together, or arranging a safe trip to a local veterans’ event—can make a meaningful impact. Care is not only about physical assistance, but also about preserving the veteran’s identity, dignity, and legacy.

Why Home Care Matters for Veterans

Choosing home care allows veterans to stay where they feel most comfortable—at home. For many, that means being surrounded by familiar photographs, mementos of military service, and the comfort of long-time routines. Home care also provides continuity: caregivers can establish consistent, trusting relationships that make daily life easier and more fulfilling.

Home care can be especially critical for veterans facing:

• Chronic health conditions like COPD, diabetes, or mobility limitations
• Service-related injuries or disabilities
• Cognitive changes such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
• The need for respite care, giving family members a break while ensuring their loved one receives professional support

By addressing these needs in the home environment, we help reduce hospital visits, improve quality of life, and provide peace of mind for both veterans and their families.

Building a Stronger Community Together

Supporting veterans is not the job of a single organization—it takes the whole community. The VA DC Health Care System, Patriot Angels, ARC of Montgomery County, local VSOs, families, and professional caregivers like Griswold all play a role in creating a network of care.

In Chevy Chase and across Montgomery County, we are proud to be part of that network. Every veteran deserves care that honors their service and allows them to live with independence, dignity, and respect.

If you or a loved one is a veteran looking for support at home, our team is here to help. We can walk you through available benefits, connect you with local resources, and create a personalized care plan that works for your family.

Veterans gave so much to our nation. Now, it’s our turn to give back by ensuring they have the support they need right here in our community. At Griswold Home Care for Chevy Chase, we are committed to helping veterans and their families live full, independent lives—because service deserves to be honored with care, respect, and compassion.

📍 Serving Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Kensington, Silver Spring, and surrounding Montgomery County communities.

About the Author:

Tanya Henry, Lead Care Coordinator

Tanya brings over 12 years of experience in customer service and support to her role at Griswold. As a Senior Customer Advisor in an independent living facility, she gained firsthand insight into the importance of thoughtful planning, family involvement, and strong community support when it comes to aging with dignity. Today, she uses that expertise to help older adults who wish to age in place—carefully matching them with skilled caregivers and guiding both clients and caregivers through the transition to care at home.