For Families & Guardians

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Whether you're planning years ahead or something changed last week, we'll walk you through the options in plain language — tours first, forms later.

Start a family inquiry → (443) 555-0100
Illustration: family visit around the kitchen table

Three promises, before anything else.

You'll see everything.

Tour any home, unannounced follow-ups welcome. Meet the staff who would actually work with your loved one — not just the admissions team.

You'll get straight answers.

If we're not the right fit, we'll say so and point you somewhere better. No waitlist games, no vague timelines.

You stay involved.

Open visiting, regular updates, and a direct line to the house manager. Moving in doesn't mean stepping back.

Eligibility & Funding

How the Maryland DDA waiver works.

Most of our services are funded through Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration. Here's the shape of it — and we'll help with every step.

  • —Who's eligible: adults 21+ with a developmental disability, determined eligible by the DDA.
  • —The waivers we accept: Community Pathways and Community Supports.
  • —Your CCS: every person has a Coordinator of Community Services who writes the Person-Centered Plan. We work with them directly.
  • —No DDA eligibility yet? We'll point you to the application and what to expect. Private-pay respite is sometimes possible in the meantime.

Questions families actually ask

Can we visit before deciding anything?
Yes — that's how we prefer it. Call or send a note and we'll set up a tour within a week or two. Bring the person, bring siblings, bring your questions.
How long does it take to move in?
If a bed is open and the waiver is in place, typically 2–6 weeks from first call to move-in. If the waiver isn't in place yet, the DDA process adds time — we'll give you an honest estimate at the first conversation.
What does it cost the family?
For waiver-funded services, the DDA pays the provider directly. Residents contribute toward room and board from their income (typically SSI). We'll walk through the exact numbers before any decision.
What if my loved one has challenging behaviors?
Tell us everything — it won't scare us off. Our behavioral supports team writes and staffs individual plans, and honesty up front is what makes placements last.
Can they keep their day program, job, or doctor?
In almost every case, yes. We provide transportation and coordinate with existing providers. Continuity is the point, not a complication.
What happens when you reach out

A simple four-step path.

01

Reach out

Call, text, or send a short note. A real person answers — usually the same day.

~ Same day
02

Meet & tour

We visit you, you visit us. See a home, meet staff, stay for a meal.

~ 1–2 weeks
03

Plan services

We work with your CCS to align the PCP, the waiver, and the right service mix.

~ 2–4 weeks
04

Move in / start

Move-in day, first day of the day program, or the first DSP shift. We make it gentle.

When you're ready

Start with a conversation.

Fifteen minutes with our intake coordinator. No forms required first — just tell us about your person.

Start a family inquiry → (443) 555-0100 hello@windsorwoods.org