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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.
Find Independent Living Options Near You
The Cost of Independent Living in Maryland
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Maryland and its 10 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Maryland's Top Cities
While independent living costs in Maryland tend to be consistent across different cities, seniors can still benefit from comparing prices to make an informed decision that fits their budget and lifestyle. Ellicott City residents pay around $2,346 per month. Further south, costs increase slightly in Silver Spring to $2,485, as well as in the state capital, Annapolis, to $2,555. Waldorf, although more expensive at $3,350, is still below the Maryland average.
Maryland
$3,484
Ellicott City
$2,346
Silver Spring
$2,485
Annapolis
$2,555
Waldorf
$3,350
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Maryland
Generally speaking, it’s common for senior care prices to increase each year due to the effects of inflation. For independent living, Maryland residents who paid $3,313 per month in 2022 saw their costs rise 5.2% one year later to $3,484, about the same rate at which national averages grew.By comparison, fees in Virginia increased 4.4% during the same period. Other neighboring states deviated from the trend, however. Delaware registered a decrease in costs of 2.9%, while rates in Pennsylvania dropped by 10.8%. West Virginia recorded one of the largest price declines in the country, down 33.9%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $3,313 | $3,484 | $3,710 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Virginia | $3,060 | $3,194 | $3,417 |
| Delaware | $3,575 | $3,472 | $3,698 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,603 | $3,215 | $3,675 |
| West Virginia | $3,720 | $2,460 | $2,620 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Senior living costs can vary significantly depending on the level of care offered. Memory care, which is provided by specially trained nursing professionals, costs around $5,489 in Maryland. Assisted living residents receive 24/7 assistance with activities such as bathing and toileting and pay an average of $5,489. Independent living is the most affordable option, priced at $3,484, and is aimed at those who want to age gracefully in a safe community with access to recreational programs and a wide array of amenities.
Assisted Living
$5,091
Memory Care
$5,489
Independent Living
$3,484
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.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Maryland
There are many resources in Maryland that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Area Agencies on Aging | Maryland's Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit organizations that support the needs of older adults, their families and caregivers across the state. They offer a range of services and programs that promote independent living and help enhance seniors' quality of life. AAAs provide personalized care planning, home-based services, transportation assistance and meal programs. They also offer information and referral services, benefits counseling and caregiver support. Through Maryland's AAAs, seniors can access the resources they need to age with dignity. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Maryland provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Maryland seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Access Point (MAP) | 844-627-5465 | Maryland Access Point locations can help you find assistance programs available in your community. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Maryland seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland 211 Food Pantries | Low-income seniors in Maryland who are able to leave their homes have many options for free and affordable food. Food pantries and banks throughout the state provide free produce, grains and other staples, and many have no eligibility requirements | |
| Maryland Meals on Wheels | Maryland Meals on Wheels offers nutritious home-delivered and congregate meals for qualifying seniors ages 60 and over. Eligibility is open to those who cannot easily shop for groceries and prepare meals due to limited mobility. With home-delivered meals, seniors receive friendly daily visits that provide valuable social interaction and safety checks for those at risk of falls or accidents. Congregate meals are served at local senior centers and are available on a sliding fee scale. | |
| Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 800-332-6347 | SNAP gives you a card that can be used at grocery stores, convenience stores, online food delivery services and even some restaurants. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Living
Low-income elderly individuals in senior living communities can access financial assistance through local-run programs. These Maryland resources offer advice, guidance and support to help older adults pay for the services offered by long-term care providers.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Senior Assisted Living Subsidy Program | 410-767-1100 | Seniors facing Nursing Home placement may receive a direct financial subsidy to help pay for Memory Care as an alternative. Subsidies cover a maximum of $1,000 per month, and financial eligibility limits apply. This program is designed for moderate-income seniors who may not qualify for traditional Medicaid programs and for those aged 62 and older. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Maryland collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Assistive Technology Reuse Center (MATR) | 443-326-9703 | The Maryland Assistive Technology Reuse (MATR) Center provides high-tech assistive equipment to individuals who have some form of disability. Funded entirely by donations, MATR provides pre-used assistive technologies at no cost. The only requirement is that equipment be re-donated to the center once it's no longer needed. MATR maintains an online inventory of all available equipment. Devices include assisted vision equipment, assisted listening devices and augmentative and alternative communication devices for individuals with speech impediments. |
| Maryland Bay Area Center for Independent Living - Free Loan Closet | 443-260-0822 | The Bay Area Center for Independent Living, Inc., a nonprofit agency in Salisbury, MD, connects adults with disabilities and their families to various services and programs across nine counties. The center works closely with the Maryland Technology and Assistance Program to provide temporary ramps to people who need wheelchair access to their homes. Workshops and resources are also available at the center to help disabled individuals navigate the complex social security system. |
| Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use Program | 240-230-8000 | The Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use program collects donations of equipment from sites throughout Maryland and distributes them to seniors in need. Sites offer basic DME, such as canes and bedrails, and complex DME, such as power wheelchairs, home hospital beds and mechanical lifts. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Maryland have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors | 844-369-4150 | This program provides zero-interest loans and grants to seniors for modifications to their homes. The funds are available for improvements that make the property accessible and functional, such as widening of doorways, installation of ramps and modifying bathrooms with grab bars. The maximum loan amount is 110% of the value of the property. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Maryland seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Legal Aid | 866-635-2948 | Maryland Legal Aid's Senior Legal Helpline offers counseling and advice to the elderly. It helps low-income individuals locate pro bono representation in civil matters (although not in criminal cases). Other services include preparing legal documents and helping seniors file for divorce or bankruptcy. |
| Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) | 301-265-8483 | The Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is dedicated to upholding the welfare of long-term care residents throughout the state. The program's volunteers and paid staff work together to provide services such as informing individuals of their rights, resolving concerns and complaints and making suggestions to improve care quality in facilities. All services provided by LTCOP are free and confidential. Residents and concerned parties can access the state's ombudsman by county. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Maryland resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland's Community First Choice Program | 877-463-3464 | This program enables seniors to remain in their own homes by providing a variety of services, including personal assistance, home-delivered meals, accessibility adaptations, assistive technology and support planning. It also covers nurse monitoring and other home health services. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Maryland help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Maryland resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program | 410-767-5900 | This tax credit program limits the amount seniors pay on their property taxes based on their income. The credit is applied directly to the tax bills of homeowners, and it does not apply to the value of the property exceeding $300,000. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Maryland retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) | 800-332-6347 | Seniors at risk of losing their access to water due to a lack of funds may be eligible for assistance through LIHWAP. The program gives eligible households up to $2,000 to pay for water and wastewater bills. You can apply for LIHWAP online or over the phone. |
| Maryland Office of Home Energy | 800-332-6347 | The Maryland Office of Home Energy offers a financial assistance program for low-income families who are unable to afford their electricity or heating bills. The program pays your utility bills directly if you're short on funds, and you don't need a turn-off notice to qualify. |
Veteran's Services
Maryland retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland VA Benefits and Health Care | Maryland's VA Benefits and Health Care provides assistance to eligible senior veterans through medical centers located in Baltimore, Perry Point and at other facilities across the state. The program offers older vets access to service-connected disability support as well as physical therapy, hearing and vision care, cancer treatment and pain management. Veterans can receive help navigating VA benefits, compensation and social services, including guidance with senior housing options and financial planning. |
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