Communities in Silver Spring, MD

At $6,000, Silver Spring’s assisted living costs are almost the most expensive in Maryland. Only the city of California, where monthly fees average at $6,200, is more costly. Seniors in Salisbury get assisted living for approximately $500 less per month when compared to Silver Spring, while the reduction in Baltimore is $1,000. The least expensive city in the state is Hagerstown, where fees average at $4,500.

Seniors have several options for paying for assisted living, including their personal funds, state and federal health insurance programs and veterans’ benefits. By researching options for paying for assisted living and understanding the payment options facilities accept, residents can make informed financial decisions and choose a community that aligns with their care needs and budgets.

• Medicaid: Medicaid beneficiaries in Silver Spring may receive assisted living coverage through the Community Options Medicaid Waiver or the Increased Community Services program. These waivers expand Medicaid’s coverage to pay for personal care, meals and nonemergency medical transportation services.
• Medicare: This health insurance program pays for medically necessary services and durable medical equipment, reducing seniors’ monthly care expenses. However, it doesn’t pay for standard assisted living housing or services.
• VA Benefits: Veterans may cover part of their assisted living costs through the VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care program, which covers personal care, meals and transportation. They might also qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, which increase their monthly pension and provide additional financial support for assisted living.
• Private payments: Assisted living facilities accept personal payments for all housing and care-related expenses. This includes money from monthly Social Security and pension benefits, retirement savings and long-term care insurance.

In Silver Spring, care costs depend on the type of care. Assisted living costs around $3,460 per month. Memory care and independent living are more affordable, running $3,300 and $2,485, respectively. Precise costs can vary widely depending on aspects such as specialized services and programs, individual support needs and whether an individual opts for a private or shared room. When deciding, it's important that seniors consider their requirements, preferences and budget.

• Silver Spring ranks among the most age-friendly cities in the nation, earning a 65 on the AARP Livability Index versus the U.S. city score of 48. The city offers high access to grocery stores, parks and cultural amenities, and its preventable hospitalization rate of 15 incidents per 1,000 patients suggests high-quality outpatient services. These factors support the comfort and convenience of assisted living residents.
• Its cost of living surpasses the national norm by roughly 45%, which drives up assisted living costs. Fortunately, two Medicaid programs help income-qualified seniors afford services in many local long-term care communities.
• Silver Spring experiences seasonal changes throughout the year, with typical daytime temperatures ranging from 43 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 87 degrees in the summer. To give residents opportunities to enjoy favorable weather, many local assisted living facilities have walking paths, resident-maintained gardens and outdoor dining.
• Public transportation services in Silver Spring reduce reliance on personal vehicles, offering convenience for assisted living residents. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation operates bus and rail services. It also provides Ride On, Call-n-Ride, MetroAccess and Medicaid’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program for seniors.
• The city reports around 30 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, with nonviolent infractions accounting for most cases. Prospective assisted living residents who prioritize safety often focus their search on neighborhoods such as Cloverly and Woodmoor, where crime rarely occurs.