Average Cost of Assisted Living in Maryland: Key Statistics & Insights
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Maryland’s aging population is growing, with over a third of residents aged 50 or older. Assisted living (AL) costs vary widely, from small, home-based care at $1,000/month to larger facilities averaging $6,900/month, as reported by Genworth in 2024. This marks a 40.82% since the 2021 report.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the average cost of assisted living in Maryland:
Key Insights
The average cost of assisted living in Maryland ranges between $5,000 to $6,900, depending on accommodation type, facility, and care needed.
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Assisted living rates in Maryland increased by 10.5% from 2022 to 2023.
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Central Maryland has a high concentration of facilities.
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Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) cost around $3,600 per month, with rates varying.
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Additional costs for assisted living services can add $3,500 to $4,000 or more to your monthly expenses.
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Maryland provides several programs to support elderly residents in accessing affordable care.
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Assisted Living in Maryland vs. Surrounding States
The cost of assisted living continues to rise across the region, driven by inflation and increased demand. Here’s how Maryland compares to its neighboring states:
- Maryland: Monthly rates rose by 10.5%, from $4,613 in 2022 to $5,091 in 2023, slightly exceeding the national average increase of 10%.
- Pennsylvania: Costs surged by 19% and are projected to hit $5,153 in 2024.
- West Virginia: Saw the steepest increase, with rates jumping 23% in 2023.
- Virginia: Experienced a temporary decrease in costs from 2022 to 2023 but is expected to increase by 9% in 2024.
- Delaware: Also saw a cost dip but forecasts a 6.5% increase in 2024.
Even within Maryland, location significantly affects assisted living expenses:
- Salisbury area: Offers more affordable options, averaging $4,899 monthly cost.
- Baltimore area: Has the highest rates in the state, averaging $6,650 per month.
- Cost variation: Assisted living rates in Maryland can differ by as much as $1,751 monthly, depending on the area.
Maryland Assistance Programs for Seniors
The state of Maryland offers several programs to help low-income, disabled, and elderly residents access the care they need without paying expensive costs of care.
Here’s a breakdown of some key assistance programs:
Assisted Living Subsidy Program
This program supports low- to moderate-income seniors aged 62 and older who need financial help to afford assisted living and health care. To qualify:
- Income Limit: Monthly income must be no more than 60% of the state median income.
- Asset Limit: Single applicants can hold up to $20,064, while couples are capped at $26,400.
The subsidy helps cover the gap between the individual’s income (minus a $130 personal allowance) and the monthly assisted living fee.
Congregate Housing Services Program
Designed for older adults who need minimal assistance, this program provides support in congregate housing facilities:
- Eligibility: Must be 62+ years old, require help with daily activities, and benefit from services like medication management.
- Spousal Inclusion: Spouses aged 55+ who meet the eligibility criteria can also receive assistance. This program helps seniors remain in a communal living environment while getting necessary senior care.
Community First Choice Program
This Medicaid-funded program offers help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to support individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or medical conditions. Services are provided on-site or within senior living communities so that residents receive personal care in a comfortable setting.
Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)
The SPDAP works under the Maryland Department of Health and helps moderate-income Maryland residents in managing prescription drug costs:
- Eligibility: Available to Medicare recipients enrolled in a prescription drug or Medicare Advantage plan.
- Benefits: Covers up to $75/month of prescription drug plan premiums for approved plans.
With 55 plan options to choose from, this program reduces the financial burden of medications for seniors.
Maryland Assisted Living Facility Options
Maryland offers diverse assisted living options, with availability and costs varying significantly across regions. Central Maryland is home to many facilities, with Baltimore City leading with 426 facilities, followed by Prince George’s County with 306, and Baltimore County with 251. In contrast, Cecil County offers just 17 facilities, highlighting notable differences in access across the state.
Nursing Homes Facility
The main difference between nursing home care and assisted living lies in the level of care and living environment:
- Nursing Homes: Designed for more intensive medical care, they provide a clinical environment offering skilled nursing with private or semi-private rooms but no kitchens or living spaces.
- Assisted Living: Residents enjoy apartment-style living with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, offering greater independence.
Nursing homes in Maryland are significantly more expensive—nearly 80% higher than assisted living costs.
- Semi-Private Room: Average cost is $11,513/month, with the lowest rates in Cumberland at $10,950/month and the highest in Salisbury at $12,167/month.
- Private Room: Statewide average is $12,836/month, ranging from $12,167/month in Cumberland to $13,688/month in Salisbury.
In-Home Care Options
For those who prefer to stay at home, in-home care is an excellent alternative to facility living. Services like homemaker support or home health aides provide essential assistance, including:
- Help with bathing, toileting, and basic health monitoring (e.g., pulse and blood pressure).
- Emotional and mental health support tailored to the individual’s needs.
The average costs per hour in Maryland are:
- Home Health Aide: $29.95/hour, with the lowest rates in Cumberland and the highest in Hagerstown at nearly $43.42/hour.
- Homemaker Services: Average $32.94/hour.
Memory Care Options
Memory care, which specializes in supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, is one of the fastest-growing senior living options in the U.S. In Maryland, memory care facility is offered in standalone facilities or as an additional service in assisted living or nursing homes.
The extra monthly cost for memory care in Maryland ranges between $937 and $1,565. This additional expense reflects the need for 24-hour supervision and tailored long-term care for residents.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are a comprehensive type of independent living and are among the most expensive options for senior living.
- Monthly Fees: CCRCs average $3,600 per month, but costs can increase depending on the location and, level of care and available amenities.
- Entry Fees: Many CCRCs require an upfront payment, which serves as a health insurance package for future care. The average entry fee was $402,000 in 2022, although this varies based on the senior’s age and personal circumstances.
- No Upfront Payment Option: Some CCRCs allow residents to skip the entry fee by paying higher monthly rates for future care.
Hidden Costs Associated with Assisted Living
Assisted living often comes with unexpected expenses beyond basic rent and services. These hidden costs can range from $3,500 to $4,000 or more, depending on the type of care and facility policies. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Hygiene and Personal Care: Additional fees may apply for care services like dressing, undressing, incontinence care, supervised showers, and laundry services.
- Medical and Health Services: Costs can include medication management, on-site doctor access, blood pressure monitoring, and insulin injections.
- Mobility and Daily Assistance: Facilities may charge for escorting you to meals, transportation to appointments, and regular check-ins.
- Facility-Specific Charges: Extras like deep cleaning, gym or spa access, and use of telephones often come with separate fees.
FAQs
Nursing homes in Maryland must have at least one registered nurse on staff 24/7. Additional nurses and support staff are employed to meet the specific needs of all residents.
Yes, Maryland offers an Ombudsman program funded by federal, state, and local governments. Ombudsmen are independent advocates—volunteers or paid employees—who provide free and confidential support to long-term care residents across Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.
Bottom Line
Maryland’s assisted living costs are rising, with monthly rates averaging $5,091 in 2023, marking a 10.5% increase from 2022. Central Maryland provides the most options, with 426 facilities in Baltimore City, while more rural areas like Cecil County have limited availability.
Additional costs, such as personal care or medical assistance, can add $3,500 to $4,000 monthly. Programs like the Assisted Living Subsidy Program and Community First Choice Program offer financial relief for eligible seniors.
Memory care services remain a growing need, with extra monthly costs ranging from $937 to $1,565. As Maryland’s aging population expands, understanding these costs and options is crucial for effective financial planning.
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