Maryland is a beautiful mid-Atlantic state, known as "America in Miniature" because of its variety of climates and topographical features such as mountains, rivers, hills, and valleys. Although Maryland is one of the smallest states in the U.S., it has a vibrant cultural life and numerous opportunities for recreational fun — any time of year. The state has 4,000 miles of shoreline, perfect for sailing, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
If you’re looking to relocate to historic Maryland or you already live there, there are many assisted living options for you or your loved one to choose from that can suit your needs. Let’s learn more about assisted living in the great state of Maryland.
What is assisted living in Maryland?
Assisted living is a senior care living option that provides a safe, home-like environment for older adults, plus personalized daily care for residents. In assisted living communities in Maryland, highly qualified and trained caregivers are available to assist with needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Assisted living communities in Maryland are tailored for seniors who need individual support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, medication management, eating, mobility, and more.
Senior living offers seniors and their families peace of mind and reassurance that around-the-clock care is available should a medical or personal issue arise. Assisted living communities also offer a personalized plan of care for each resident, ensuring that they receive access to services and activities to support their independence and well-being.
In addition to daily assistance and support, some assisted living communities provide memory care services for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory disorders. These communities take extra precautions to provide a safe and stimulating environment for seniors with cognitive decline, including brain-stimulating activities and support groups for families.
In addition to personal care services, luxury assisted living communities in Maryland offer an array of convenient services and amenities, including:
- Housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation services for worry-free living
- Nutritious chef-prepared meals in gorgeous dining rooms or delivered directly to the resident's living area if needed
- A choice of apartment layouts, including bathrooms with grab bars for safety and kitchenettes for independent meals and snacks
- On-site medical services such as physical, speech, occupational, and respiratory therapy
- Carefully planned activities, trips, and events to keep residents engaged and connected with their neighbors
- Educational programs and support groups for seniors and their families
- Beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces for socializing with newfound friends
- Concierge services for ease and convenience
What's the difference between assisted living and senior living in Maryland?
There are various types of senior living options that provide different care options. In general, senior living is an umbrella term that includes but is not limited to independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Independent living communities are best suited for active, independent seniors who don’t need help with daily self-care. Unlike assisted living communities, independent living communities don’t have 24/7 caregivers, although the best communities do offer the ability to seamlessly transition to assisted living or memory care in the future.
Assisted living also provides seniors with personalized care plans to ensure your loved one gets the support they need. Most senior living communities offer the amenities listed above, but we recommend that you ask questions and tour communities in Maryland to make sure you find the right fit.
What do residents in assisted living facilities in Maryland do?
At Arbor assisted living communities in Maryland, we have dedicated engagement teams that coordinate interesting activities, programs, and excursions for residents. Most activities can be done on-site, from taking art classes and cooking to going to the salon or the fitness center. There are also options for senior trips via transportation services to parks, theatres, sports games, and more. We invite our residents’ families to participate as well. Our engagement team is always working to plan exciting events for residents and visitors.
Which Maryland department regulates assisted living?
The Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ), in conjunction with the Maryland Health Care Commission, is the government department that oversees and regulates assisted living communities in the state of Maryland.
What is the average cost of assisted living in Maryland?
The average cost for assisted living communities in Maryland is $2,000 a month. Keep in mind that this is an average, and the actual cost can range anywhere from $1,000 to over $5,000. Fees vary because of factors such as the type of services provided, the size and design of the amenities, public versus private rooming, and geographical location. Most communities will charge based on the amount of care a person needs, and this amount changes regularly with re-evaluations.
Who pays for assisted living in Maryland?
In Maryland, assisted living costs are usually paid by the families themselves. However, there are other options available for those who qualify, such as long-term insurance, subsidy programs, and Medicaid programs. It is very important to consider each option carefully because many have strict guidelines and requirements to meet in order to qualify.
The Maryland Medicaid waiver program is a new program designed to help pay for assisted living services for a limited number of people. It has very strict financial and eligibility requirements.
Some communities take part in a subsidy program that helps pay for assisted living. As with the waiver program, space is limited and certain conditions have to be met. Your local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) will have more information, but it is also helpful to ask assisted living communities directly if they participate in the subsidy program.
Long-term insurance is another option for paying for assisted living. However, not all long-term insurance policies cover assisted living, so it is crucial to read the fine print before taking on a policy that may not suit your loved one’s needs. For more information, contact the Maryland Insurance Administration or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
How do I find luxury assisted living in Maryland?
Are you ready to learn more about finding the best assisted living community in Maryland for your loved one? We've created a comprehensive resource to help you determine what to look for when touring communities, what questions to ask, what makes a community safe, and more. Download our free guide “Finding a Safe and Comfortable Senior Living Community” to learn our expert tips so you can make the best decision for you and your family.