Assisted Living Communities in Pikesville, MD

Pikesville is one of the most affordable locations in Maryland for assisted living. Less costly cities are found further west, such as Hagerstown, where fees average $4,500. In the south, costs rise significantly, such as in California, where fees of $6,200 are normal. The same is true closer to home in Washington, D.C., where costs average $6,000.

Pikesville seniors often have several options to pay for assisted living, depending on the criteria they meet for financial and functional needs and veteran status. Along with paying out of their income and savings, individuals may cover a portion of their assisted living expenses through state and federal health insurance programs and VA benefits.

• Medicaid: Two Medicaid programs help qualified individuals pay for assisted living services, the Community Options Medicaid Waiver and the Increased Community Services program. These programs cover services such as personal care, meal preparation and housekeeping.
• Medicare: Assisted living services fall outside the scope of Medicare, which only pays for medically necessary care. However, beneficiaries use their Part B coverage toward specialized services they receive in assisted living, including skilled nursing and rehabilitative therapies.
• VA Benefits: Qualified veterans get assistance with assisted living expenses through Aid and Attendance, Housebound allowance and the Geriatrics and Extended Care program. These options help seniors manage costs associated with personal care, meal services and housekeeping.
• Private Payments: This payment option includes residents’ Social Security income, public and private pensions, long-term care insurance and cash-outs from certain types of life insurance policies. Assisted living facilities accept private payments for all living and care expenses, including room and board, meals, recreation and personal care.

Senior care costs reflect the level of assistance provided, which is why adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,896. Seniors receiving nonmedical care at home will likely find costs are around $4,671, while those receiving light medical support at home may find it adds $286 per month to their bills. Assisted living is the most affordable option that includes accommodations, while nursing homes are the most expensive; semiprivate rooms average $11,984 and private ones $12,805.

• Pikesville experiences warm, humid summers with average daytime temperatures around 78-87 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters bring mild weather with highs around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Assisted living facilities often feature unit-controlled thermostats and complimentary window coverings, helping residents stay comfortable throughout the year.
• Smog levels run high in the Pikesville region, earning the region a low rating of F from the American Lung Association. However, the region receives a B for 24-hour particle pollution and a passing score of annual particle pollution, making it a suitable option for seniors living with chronic lung or heart conditions.   
• While the property crime frequency in Pikesville stands at about 22 incidents per 1,000 people annually, surpassing both state and national averages, the violent crime rate of around 4 is below the Maryland and U.S. city average. Most crime occurs on the west side of the city, so seniors with safety concerns may want to seek long-term care options in neighborhoods such as Cranwood and Stevenson Village.
• Pikesville’s cost of living exceeds the national benchmark by about 12%. Fortunately, income-qualified assisted living residents receive assistance with above-average care expenses through two Medicaid programs.
• Maryland exempts Social Security income, pension income and withdrawals from 401(k) accounts from income tax, leaving seniors with more money for assisted living expenses in Pikesville.