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Independent Living in Maryland

Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is a vibrant retirement destination packed with things to see and do. Notable attractions include Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Ocean City Boardwalk and Assateague Island, which is famous for its wild horses. The Old Line State is home to more than 6 million residents, including nearly 1 million senior citizens. Although the cost of living is about 13% higher than other parts of the country, health care is more affordable than average, and residents have access to world-class medical care at Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center.

The state is home to a number of long-term care facilities and continuing care retirement communities that cater to residents with varying needs. Seniors who can live on their own with minimal assistance are good candidates for independent living. These facilities provide comfortable age-restricted accommodations with access to recreational activities and social services. The median cost of independent living in Maryland is $3,250 per month, which is slightly higher than the national average.

Seniors who want to learn more about their independent living options in Maryland, including the average cost of these services, will find helpful information in this guide. It also lists a number of statewide agencies that can assist with long-term care planning and healthy aging.

The Cost of Independent Living in Maryland

Note: Independent Living cost data isn’t available from any nationally respected sources, but on average, this type of care costs 30%-40% less than Assisted Living. To calculate Independent Living rates, we deducted 35% from the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey’s Assisted Living fees.

Independent Living residents in Maryland pay $3,185 per month for services compared to the national median of $2,925, indicating that this state is among the costlier options in the country for this type of care. Seniors may save money by living in West Virginia, where rates are considerably more competitive at $2,704, or in Pennsylvania, where rates are affordable compared to Maryland at $2,665. In Virginia and Delaware, monthly fees are higher at $3,413 and $3,897, respectively.  

Independent living rates are fairly consistent across Maryland, averaging between $3,000 and $4,000 per month. The most cost-effective city to obtain care in Maryland is Hagerstown, where care costs come in at $3,010. In the Baltimore area, fees are comparable at $3,088, and in Salisbury, seniors pay $3,237. Cumberland is the costliest option surveyed within the state at $3,411. Seniors in Washington, D.C., pay $3,866 for care, and across state lines in Dover, Delaware, fees are higher than in any Maryland city at $3,947.  

Cumberland

$3411

Hagerstown Area

$3010

Baltimore Area

$3088

Salisbury

$3237

Washington, D.C

$3866

Dover, DE

$3947

Maryland seniors have numerous long-term care options, depending on their needs, lifestyle preferences and budgets. Older adults who want to remain in their homes and save money on monthly care may consider Adult Day Health Care, the most affordable option at $1,928 monthly. In-Home Care, which includes basic services such as housekeeping and companionship, costs $5,148, and Home Health Care has the same monthly rate despite featuring specialized services such as wound care and medical monitoring. Assisted Living is moderately priced at $4,900, and Nursing Home care is the most expensive at $10,342 for a semiprivate room and $12,167 for a private room.

Independent Living

$3185

In-Home Care

$5148

Home Health Care

$5148

Adult Day Care

$1928

Assisted Living

$4900

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

$10342

Nursing Home (private room)

$12167

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Maryland?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Maryland.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in Maryland

Most seniors pay for independent living out-of-pocket using retirement income or funds from investment accounts. Medicare and Medicaid typically won’t cover these services since rates cover room and board, rather than medically necessary supports. Long-term care insurance may pay for some charges, such as meal preparation assistance and help with errands. Reverse mortgages may also provide a source of ongoing funding or a lump-sum payment that can be used for buy-in fees and other one-time expenses. See our guide to independent living for more information.

Independent Living Resources in Maryland

Seniors in Maryland who are interested in independent living and other forms of long-term care can contact their Area Agency on Aging for information and assistance. The following organizations offer free, confidential services to seniors and their families.

ResourceContactService
Maryland Department of Aging(410) 767-1100The Maryland Department of Aging is dedicated to making the state an attractive destination for older adults by supporting their health and well-being and helping to build vibrant communities. It protects older adults from abuse and neglect and works to ensure that seniors and disabled adults have access to vital services and receive the information they need to make informed decisions.
Maryland Area Agencies on Aging(844) 627-5465Seniors in Baltimore and each of the state’s 23 counties can turn to their Area Agency on Aging for information about adult services, in-home care and assisted living. These agencies also provide transportation and nutritional services to help seniors meet their day-to-day needs. It offers tax preparation assistance, financial help with housing and utilities and community service opportunities through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)(800) 633-4227SHIP is a free government-sponsored service that’s available in Baltimore and all 23 counties. The program offers confidential in-person and phone-based assistance to seniors who need help with Medicare, including Advantage Plans, Part D prescription drug coverage, financial assistance programs and billing issues. Seniors can also obtain information about long-term care insurance and ways to prevent waste and fraud through this program.
Securing Older Adult Resources(410) 220-0494Based in Baltimore, the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition is a nonprofit organization that sponsors the state’s SOAR program. This initiative researches financial issues among the elderly and provides outreach events and direct services, including financial coaching, identity theft prevention, digital privacy training and help with applying for tax breaks and other government benefits.
Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program(410) 767-2161Maryland’s long-term care ombudsman program includes independent advocates in each county. These experts provide information and education about long-term care facilities and residents’ rights, and they offer advocacy and dispute resolution services to help seniors access quality care that’s consistent with their personal needs and preferences.
Institute for Healthy Aging(443) 481-1000The Institute for Healthy Aging is a multidisciplinary initiative sponsored by the Anne Arundel Medical Center. It provides conversation guides to help seniors and their families prepare advance directives, develop long-term care plans and discuss end-of-life issues. Seniors can also find support groups and resources for improving their fitness and managing health risks through this organization.

Directory of Independent Living Facilities in Maryland

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Independent Living in Maryland

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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