Assisted Living Facilities In Maryland

Overview
Vs. Nursing Homes
Common Services
Cost
How to Pay
Assisted Living: When?
Navigating Assisted Living Talks
Find Care

For aging loved ones living in Maryland, an assisted living home can provide various services to help them transition into semi-dependent living. Assisted living facilities (AL facilities) can help provide assistance to help seniors complete their activities of daily living.

Activities of daily living are also known as ADLs. ADLs include:

preparing meals
taking medication
grooming
maintaining a home

AL communities in Maryland are best suited for seniors who are transitioning into more dependent living but still have a certain level of independence. They are also suitable for seniors who do not have a chronic medical condition and can live comfortably in an apartment-style unit or with a roommate.

In this article, we’ll explore various topics to help educate you on senior assisted living in Maryland, including:

Assisted senior living services provided
The difference between AL communities and nursing homes
How to pay for residential assisted living in Maryland

Assisted Living for Seniors: What Is It?

Assisted living facilities are designed to help seniors who are transitioning into more dependent stages in their life. Aging loved ones who need help completing ADLs can benefit from the services offered at assisted living communities. These can include:

Medication help: Your loved ones will get help to take their medication appropriately and on time with the nursing staff on hand.
Emergency medical care: In case of an accident, such as a slip and fall, or medical emergency, nursing staff at an AL facility will provide care until help arrives.
Meal preparation: Your loved one will receive help to prepare meals that do not interfere with their medical conditions and lead to medical complications. For instance, if your senior is unable to cook at home and has diabetes, they can suffer from a deadly condition known as hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Hygiene care: Nursing staff will help your loved one bathe, dress, shave, and even cut their hair so they remain properly groomed.

Difference Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes in Maryland

Assisted living communities in Maryland can help loved ones who are able to complete their ADLs but need a bit more assistance doing so.

On the other hand, nursing homes have 24/7 medical staff and nursing staff to provide services for aging individuals. Nursing homes are a better option for seniors who:

have severe mobility issues or are bedridden
have a terminal or chronic illness that needs constant medical care
are fed using a gastrointestinal tube or g-tube, or need specialized care
have other medical concerns or safety concerns that require they reside in a facility with access to nursing staff and medical providers

Nursing homes are more aligned with hospital-like settings, and will not accept residents who are able to care for themselves without constant medical intervention.

What Services Are Provided in Assisted Living Facilities in Maryland?

Maryland residential assisted living homes can provide a plethora of services to keep your loved one safe and care for. These include:

medication management
laundry services
personal hygiene services
meal preparation
housekeeping
emergency medical care
outings and field trips
social events such as game or movie nights
worship services
transportation services
exercise classes
access to amenities like spas or gyms

The Cost of Assisted Living Communities in Maryland

Assisted living cost per month in Maryland is $4,900 according to the life insurance company Genworth. That is higher than the national average as of 2021 for AL homes, which is $4,500 per month.

In Cumberland, MD, the cost of assisted living facilities was higher than the state’s average at $5,248 monthly. Cheaper AL homes are located in Hagerstown, costing $4,630 a month.

Paying for Assisted Living in Maryland

There are several options to pay for assisted living in Maryland. These include cash payment plans, using SSI or VA disability benefits, or selling your loved one’s home and using the equity. Health insurance that can also help includes:

Medicaid is a type of health insurance that is federally and state-funded. It is only offered to people with lower income levels below the poverty line. Medicaid can cover part of the costs of residential assisted living and other medical equipment.
Medicare is federally funded health insurance offered to people over age 65. Medicare can cover costs for AL homes and is also offered to people under age 65 with certain disabilities.

When Is it Time to Explore Assisted Living?

If your loved one is struggling to complete their ADLs on their own, it might be time to enroll them in an assisted living facility.

It’s important to speak with your loved one’s medical provider as well, who can help determine if your senior can benefit from living in an AL community.

Other signs your loved one needs to get help through an AL home in Maryland include:

unable to properly groom themselves
experienced a fall before or at risk of falling
unable to properly take their own medication
unable to get help from other family members

How to Talk to a Loved One about Assisted Living

It’s best to sit down with your loved one as a family and discuss options for assisted senior living. Talking to your senior about assisted living can help ease their concerns and open them up to the idea of getting extra help.

You can also explore their needs and own desires for an AL facility, such as whether or not it is located nearby and the costs to cover their expenses. Be honest with your loved one about the reality of their situation, and outline the benefits and risks of moving to an assisted living home.

Find an Assisted Living Home in Maryland

Assisted living communities in Maryland can prove to be life-saving and help improve your loved one’s overall quality of life.

To find the best senior assisted living home in Maryland, browse our directory to explore options. Then, schedule a tour with your loved one so they can get help transitioning into more dependent living arrangements.