
TheKey - Anne Arundel
2642 Brandermill Blvd, Gambrills, MD, 21054
4.6
(24 reviews)
"It makes my mom and happy and takes care of her. I like the caregiver. "
READ MOREMaryland is an attractive location for older adults who are considering in-home care. Residents can enjoy a high quality of life with easy access to beaches, historic sites, major East Coast cities and the nation’s capital. Seniors benefit from world-class medical facilities, including Johns Hopkins Hospital the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plus, health care costs are slightly lower than the national average. The state also has several licensed home care and home health agencies. The median cost of in-home care is $5,148 per month, which is slightly higher than the national average. Agencies that provide medical care and skilled therapy in addition to help with chores and personal care may charge slightly more.
If you want a location that’s well-connected and offers plenty of amenities, look no further than Maryland. The Old Line State provides everything that its almost 1 million seniors need to thrive. In this guide, you’ll find information about long-term care prices in Maryland and the state’s Medicaid benefits for home care. We’ve also included information about the latest regulations for home care providers and a directory of statewide resources to help you age in place.
In-home chore assistance and personal care costs $5,148 per month in Maryland, according to Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This study estimates that seniors require 44 hours of care per week. Prices in Maryland are typical for the mid-Atlantic region. Seniors in Delaware and Washington, D.C., pay several hundred dollars more at $5,339 and $5,577, respectively. West Virginia is the cheapest option at $3,527. With a median of $4,767, Virginia is $381 cheaper than Maryland. Home care prices in Pennsylvania are on par with the national average, which could save you $191 per month.
Maryland
$5148
The United States
$4957
Pennsylvania
$4957
Virginia
$4767
Washington, D.C.
$5577
West Virginia
$3527
Delaware
$5339
Home care prices in Maryland’s largest cities are all even with or lower than the state median. California is the most affordable location, with an average of $4,576. Prices rose to $4,957 in Baltimore, Cumberland and Salisbury. Prices are even with the state median in Hagerstown at $5,148.
Baltimore
$4957
Hagerstown
$5148
California
$4576
Salisbury
$4957
Cumberland
$4957
In-home care provides maximum flexibility when it comes to the level of support that you receive. You might request help a few hours a week or have someone come in every day. The median cost for 44 hours of weekly home care or home health care is $5,148. Adult day health care costs less than $2,000 per month. Programs may include meals, recreational activities and physical therapy. Assisted living costs $4,900 per month, including room, board and personal assistance. The cost for nursing home care jumps considerably to $10,342.
In-Home Care
$5148
Home Health Care
$5148
Nursing Home Care
$10342
Assisted Living
$4900
Adult Day Health Care
$1928
Maryland provides State Plan home health care services to certain seniors and low-income adults. The state also provides home- and community-based waiver services. These programs have higher income limits in some cases, but applicants must be disabled or require a specific level of care.
Maryland’s Medical Assistance program provides a group of community-based waivers that are available to individuals who meet financial criteria and require help with daily activities due to a medical or functional need.
Medicaid is an income-based program, so there are strict limits on how much income you can have and how much property you may own. Maryland caps applicants’ yearly income at $4,200 for individuals or $4,704 for couples for regular Medicaid and some Aged, Blind and Disabled programs. Other ABD programs have income limits of 200% or 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Assets are limited to $2,500 for individuals or $3,000 for couples.
The government offers spousal income allowances and property exemptions, in some cases. Additionally, there are medically needy qualification pathways for seniors who spend the majority of their income on medical or long-term care.
To qualify for Medicaid home care, you must:
If you want to apply for Medicaid, you can complete the process online at MDTHink, a public benefits portal operated by the Department of Human Services. You can also apply in person or by mail. You’ll need to locate your county’s Department of Social Services or Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Individuals in Baltimore and several counties may visit the Bureau of Long Term Care for assistance.
What Information You Will Need
According to the state government, it takes most individuals 20 to 45 minutes to apply for Medicaid. You can save time if you have the following documents on hand. If you’re required to provide documentation, send copies as originals can’t be returned.
If you need help applying for benefits or accessing the services that you’re entitled to, contact the following agencies for assistance.
Program | Contact | AreaServed | Services provided |
---|---|---|---|
Maryland Medical Assistance | (800) 456-8900 | Statewide | If you have questions about your application or the state’s Medicaid benefits, contact the Medical Assistance hotline for help. It can also be used to check the status of your application. |
Medicaid Navigators | See Directory | By County | For help understanding your insurance options and which financial assistance programs may be available to you, contact a local Medicaid Navigator who works at Maryland Health Connection, the state’s health insurance marketplace. |
Senior Legal Assistance | (844) 627-5465 | Statewide | Senior Legal Assistance is a statewide program that provides free assistance to seniors aged 60 and older. Attorneys and law centers are available to help seniors with questions or concerns about Medicaid and other government benefits. |
Local Health Departments | See Directory | By County | For in-person assistance or to speak to a local case manager, contact your county’s Department of Health Department and Mental Hygiene. |
In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.
Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.
As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)
While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.
Seniors in Maryland can get help as well as free information and referrals through the following agencies and programs. Many additional resources are sponsored by the state government and local nonprofits.
Resource | Contact | AreaServed | Service |
---|---|---|---|
Area Agencies on Aging | See Directory | Statewide | Maryland has 19 Area Agencies on Aging in Baltimore and most counties statewide. Communities on the Eastern Shore are served by one of two regional offices located on the peninsula. If you need in-home assistance or if you’re looking for ways to maintain your independence, your Area Agency on Aging can provide free information and advice, including help accessing government benefits. |
Maryland Department of Aging | (800) 243-3425 | Statewide | This state agency is responsible for funding and overseeing all of Maryland’s age-related programs, including the state’s Area Agencies on Aging and its Long-Term Services and Community Supports Division. It funds nutritional programs, legal assistance hotlines, caregiver supports and the state’s long-term care ombudsman. |
Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program | (410) 767-5900 | Statewide | If you’re a Maryland homeowner and have a household income of less than $60,000 with no more than $200,000 in assets, you may qualify for a property tax credit through the Department of Assessments and Taxation. This program provides a tax credit that limits your property taxes to a fixed percentage of your income. Annual applications are due by April 15. |
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development | (301) 429-7409 | Statewide | The Department of Housing and Community Development offers several home rehabilitation programs to help you get your property up-to-date. Accessible Homes for Seniors provides competitive financing, including grants and loans, to help seniors install ramps, step-in showers and other accessibility modifications. In most cases, loans don’t need to be repaid until the home is sold. |
Weatherization Assistance Program | (855) 583-8976 | Statewide | Lower energy bills could make it more affordable for you to remain in your own home if you depend on a fixed income. This program helps with the cost of energy-efficient home improvements, including insulation, lighting and heating and cooling upgrades. For a two-person household, the income limit is 60% of the state median income or $50,0921 per year. |
Maryland Energy Assistance Program | (800) 332-6347 | Statewide | The Office of Home Energy Programs operates several utility bill assistance funds if you’re struggling to pay your water or energy bills or are facing disconnection. You can apply online through the Department of Human Services, or you may request an Application for Energy Assistance by contacting the office. |
Maryland Access Point Senior Care Services | (844) 627-5465 | Statewide | Maryland Access Point is a statewide service network with offices serving each county. Its Senior Care Services program focuses on case management, personal needs screenings and the coordination of in-home personal care and other supports. |
Residential service agencies that provide nonmedical in-home care to seniors are licensed through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality. The OHCQ is also responsible for conducting scheduled and unannounced inspections of RSAs to ensure compliance with state regulations, and investigating complaints made against agencies. The following table offers an overview of the regulations under which Maryland RSAs operate.
Topic | Rule |
---|---|
Scope of Care | RSAs may provide a number of nonmedical in-home services to clients, including assistance with daily living activities and personal care. Noncertified staff may also provide medication reminders, perform light housekeeping duties, prepare meals, shop for groceries and accompany clients on errands and appointments. |
Care Plan Requirements | An RN must assess the care needs of each client, and then help agency staff formulate a personalized care plan and assign appropriate personnel. This plan must detail a client's needs and short- and long-term care goals, the specific services the agency will provide and their frequency. |
Medication Management Requirements | Noncertified RSA staff members who provide nonmedical in-home care may assist clients with self-administration of prescribed medications. Only licensed or certified staff may administer medications. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Direct care workers must pass a criminal background check, TB screening and skills assessment. |
Staff Training Requirements | Staff providing in-home care must receive training in personal care, how to identify changes in clients' physical condition, record keeping, infection control, CPR and abuse and neglect prevention. |
Medicaid Coverage | Maryland Medicaid pays some or all in-home care costs for eligible seniors through its Community Personal Assistant Services and Community First Choice entitlement programs. Medicaid also covers home care services through the Increased Community Services and Community Options waivers. |
Reporting Abuse | Suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable Maryland senior may be reported anonymously by calling the state's Adult Protective Services abuse hotline at 800-917-7383. |
Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.
To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.
2642 Brandermill Blvd, Gambrills, MD, 21054
4.6
(24 reviews)
"It makes my mom and happy and takes care of her. I like the caregiver. "
READ MORE7925 Jones Branch Dr., Suite LL 140, Mclean, VA, 22102
4.1
(28 reviews)
"We've been using HomeCare.com for Mom. Everything's been great. Any time I need something done I just contact them and they get it done. If I need a different caregiver, they find a replacement pretty fast. Everything's catered to us. We use them ..."
READ MORE801 Compass Way, Suite 4, Annapolis, MD, 21401
4.7
(18 reviews)
"I don't know what we would do without RIght at Home. They have been wonderful from the very beginning of my elderly dad moving in with us. The caregivers are compassionate, smart, professional, knowledgeable, polite, respectful, reliable - AMAZING..."
READ MORE1511 Ritchie Hwy, Suite 301, Arnold, MD, 21012
4.7
(18 reviews)
"Kimberly is Director of Client Services for Home Instead located in Arnold, Maryland. For the past 5 months she has worked diligently to make sure we have competent and caring home care assistants every day they are needed. She has always responde..."
READ MORE9470 Annapolis Rd, Suite 208, Mitchellville, MD, 20721
5.0
(3 reviews)
"The care that Blessed Angels Home Healthcare Services provides for my mother is excellent. We have one caregiver who comes 7 days a week for 6-7 hours, and she has been wonderful. She helps prepare my mother's meals, light housekeeping, helping he..."
READ MORE1410 Forest Dr STE 31 , Annapolis, MD, 21403
5.0
(2 reviews)
"Working with Susan & Sam to find the right care for my mother has been made easy by their kind and personalized attention. They are easy to communicate with and very responsive. I love how they don’t panic when a problem arises. They simply sh..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
2525 Riva Rd Suite 145 , Annapolis, MD, 21401
4.7
(3 reviews)
"We retain FHC to take care of my mother in her home 24/7. They are always responsive and we could not be happier with the caregivers. They are all special people. "
READ MORE7639 Woodbine Dr , Laurel, MD, 20707
"Our Mission The Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care service enables seniors to maintain an independent lifestyle in their own homes for..."
READ MORE6505 Ridenour Way E # 1-B , Eldersburg, MD, 21784
5.0
(5 reviews)
"Visiting Angels is a blessing from God! From the initial cry for help the office staff helped me through every step of the way. They connected with me on a personal level and even sent a card signed by everyone when my father passed away after onl..."
READ MORE1160 E Northern Parkway , Baltimore, MD, 21239
5.0
(4 reviews)
"I chose this Agency for my mom because it makes you feel just like family, I mean they really sit and listen to everything you need and expect when coming to this organization for your family member. I was so tired of looking for agency’s and care..."
READ MORE8101 Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD, 20707
5.0
(3 reviews)
"Sarah and her team came into my life at the right time. I just wished I had found them sooner to offer my parents help much sooner! Nevertheless, her team has been simply amazing. I and my dad were at a loss trying to navigate this system of get..."
READ MORE16701 Melford Blvd., , Suite 400, Bowie, MD, 20715
5.0
(3 reviews)
"Pleasant Hearts has been caring for my mother & I couldn’t ask for better care. The staff is amazing and truly have begun to feel like family. They are always prompt and responsive which is key for me. I would recommend them to anyone!"
READ MORE1743 Countrywood Ct, Landover, MD, 20785
5.0
(3 reviews)
"This provider cared for our father like family. She is efficient, flexible, kind, and compassionate. We highly recommend her as her service is impeccable."
READ MORE7701 Groton Road, Bethesda, MD, 20817
5.0
(2 reviews)
"Thanks for all the help and the caregivers are terrific. I could not have recovered so quickly if it had not been for all the attention and help. It was very much appreciated "
READ MORE8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 440, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
5.0
(2 reviews)
"Vitalis is a wonderful, caring organization filled with professionals and people with a heart for caring. They have been so helpful and accommodating regarding my mom's care. She currently has a caregiver that is so sweet, nurturing, caring and ..."
READ MORE9050 Red Branch Rd, Columbia, MD, 21045
5.0
(2 reviews)
"My mother was recently taken out of an assisted living facility and is now residing with my brother in Maryland. Interim Health care has been so helpful and dependable from the start! The women that provide care for my mom are such a blessing..s..."
READ MORE3040 Mitchellville Road, Bowie, MD, 20716
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Our caregiver is an exceptional person. She is an exemplary caregiver whose dedication is beyond belief. Since she started several years ago with my family she has faithfully arrived daily on time. I am grateful for her huge devotion to Alexandra...."
READ MORE3440 Ellicott Center Drive, Ellicott City, MD, 21043
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Kathryn and the entire staff at Homewatch Caregivers provided fast, professional service to meet all my needs in finding a caregiver for my father. They helped make introductions, alowing me to select who would best suit our needs. They answered m..."
READ MORE420 Chinquapin Round Rd., suite I, Annapolis, MD, 21401
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I like Synergy HomeCare because instead of having somebody new every day, they have had a consistent caregiver for my mom and are very good with their schedule. They work with her very nicely, so I would highly recommend them. They are associated ..."
READ MORE454-A Governor Ritchie Hwy, PO Box 1, Severna Park, MD, 21146
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Senior Helpers is a very accommodating agency. The caregivers are well-trained. It is really helpful that the caregivers from Senior Helpers are able to take the client out of the house for doctor appointments. "
READ MORE