The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Gaithersburg, MD for 2023

Gaithersburg, Maryland, is a desirable suburban community located 20 miles from the nation’s capital. Although seniors represent just 11.5% of the city’s 67,985 residents, the area has a robust network of services for older adults, and Montgomery County has been recognized as an age-friendly community by AARP. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, the area has a lot to offer. Old Town is a popular destination for shopping and dining, and notable attractions in the area include Seneca Creek State Park and the Gaithersburg Community Museum, which is housed in a historic railroad station.

Residents who are healthy and independent but need occasional assistance with bathing, dressing or household chores are ideal candidates for assisted living. These services are designed to promote an active, socially engaged lifestyle. The median cost of assisted living in Gaithersburg and metro Washington is $6,000 per month, 20% higher than the rest of the state and 40% higher than the national average.

This guide includes information about local assisted living facilities, long-term care regulations and average prices. We’ve included details about possible alternatives and payment options as well as government agencies that can help seniors find the care they need.

Assisted living facilities in Gaithersburg must follow regulations enforced by the Maryland Department of Health, Assisted Living Unit. The state has specific requirements for staffing, services and care planning to ensure residents’ health and safety.

• Gaithersburg is located in the heart of Montgomery County, which has been a member of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities since 2015. Local leaders are committed to supporting the city’s older residents, who will represent 25% of the population by 2030.
• Seniors in Gaithersburg can take advantage of numerous transportation programs. Shuttles and door-to-door rides are available through Montgomery County, local senior centers and nonprofit or volunteer-based programs like Gaithersburg HELP.
• Gaithersburg has a typical mid-Atlantic climate. Snowfall is slightly lower than the typical U.S. city, and rainfall is slightly higher. Plus, residents enjoy comfortable temperatures for much of the year, particularly in the early summer and fall.
• More than 40 medical centers are located within 25 miles of Gaithersburg. Notable facilities include the Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, the Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
• The cost of living in Gaithersburg is 25% higher than the national average, especially regarding housing and transportation. Although the area is slightly more expensive than other parts of the state, residents spend less on health care.
• Gaithersburg is a safe community. The number of violent crimes and property-related offenses is lower than the national average. Additionally, most assisted living facilities have emergency alert systems and robust security.

Assisted living in Gaithersburg costs an average of $6,000 per month, according to the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey. This is $1,000 higher than the state average and $1,700 more than the national average. 

Due to Gaithersburg’s proximity to the nation’s capital, it’s more expensive than most parts of the state except for California where seniors pay $6,200, an increase of $200 per month. Prices in Salisbury on the Eastern Shore are $500 lower at $5,500. In Baltimore, rates are $1,000 lower at $5,000, and Hagerstown residents enjoy below-average rates of $4,500, a monthly savings of $1,500. 

Assisted living provides good value compared to other forms of long-term care with a monthly average of $6,000 per month. Nursing homes cost almost twice as much with rates of $11,726-$13,059 depending on the type of room selected. In-home care starts at $4,601 per month, excluding everyday household expenses. Home health aides charge slightly more for medical services with rates averaging around $4,767. Adult day health care costs just $1,744 per month.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Maryland page.