DEV | TEST h1 template (view-level fallback) Assisted Living

Many individuals pool various financial resources such as retirement savings or Social Security benefits to cover assisted living expenses. This section offers insights into how personal savings and income, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can all play a role in paying for assisted living in Baltimore.

Seniors and their families can be encouraged that assisted living communities in Baltimore are required by the state of Maryland to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for all residents. Assisted living facilities in Baltimore are regulated by the Maryland Department of Health. The department provides three different assisted living licenses depending on the level of care they offer:

• Level 1. Level 1 care offers assistance coordinating and accessing health services, monitoring and managing occasional psychiatric episodes, assistance with self-administered medications, and occasional assistance accessing social services.
• Level 2. Level 2 care provides everything level one provides as well as medication administration and managing residents with behaviors or psychiatric episodes that disrupt others.
• Level 3. Level 3 care provides care from the previous two levels plus comprehensive assistance with daily living and intensive supervision to manage chronic disruptive behavior or illnesses. Level 3 doesn’t encompass most skilled nursing services, so seniors who need around-the-clock medical assistance should consider Baltimore’s nursing homes.

Baltimore’s requirements for assisted living facilities

Assisted living facilities must abide by several standards, including the following:

• All common and private areas must be kept up to safety codes.
• Residents and their families should be allowed to make a complaint with no fear of retaliation.
• Any changes in price or care services should be communicated to the resident and their families before the change.
• Visitors should be allowed at any time.
• Managers must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
• Staff who help with personal care must have at least five hours of mental illness and cognitive impairment training within 90 days of employment.

The Maryland Department of Health inspects assisted living facilities about every 15 months. You can find inspection reports on the Maryland Health Care Commission search portal. To find these reports, click on the name of the particular assisted living facility and then the inspection reports tab.

Maryland Department of Health contact information

Maryland Department of Health

201 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone: 410-767-6500

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Baltimore assisted living facilities

Baltimore has no COVID-19 regulations. Instead, the city Department of Health advises citizens to follow the latest guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You or your loved one may also want to check with individual assisted living facilities because they might have their own procedures in place in case of an outbreak.

A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities in Baltimore offer seniors a wealth of options, including size, amenities, price, and location. The “City of Charm” has been part of American history since the beginning as the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner. Baltimore is now a vibrant and multifaceted city.

With a thriving art scene, charming neighborhoods, and an array of culinary delights, Baltimore offers endless opportunities for people of all ages. Moreover, the city’s position along the East Coast provides travel enthusiasts with convenient access to popular destinations like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Types of assisted living in Baltimore

Of our 61 partner communities in Baltimore, only a small percentage are stand-alone assisted living facilities. The others offer a combination of care to address seniors’ needs comprehensively. In Baltimore, you’re more likely to find an assisted living facility that also offers memory care than a stand-alone assisted living facility.

The most common type of assisted living facility in Baltimore –making up more than half of the available communities in the city – are board and care homes. These are residential homes converted into small assisted living communities. Board and care homes come at a significantly lower price but offer the same type of personal care as larger assisted living facilities.

Seniors who are looking for access to a pool or a gym, or who want to pay for a private room, may prefer the larger assisted living facilities. Seniors who want personalized care from a home-like setting and who are willing to live without hotel-like amenities may prefer a board and care home.

A city focused on community

Baltimore fosters a robust sense of community. Its residents actively engage in neighborhood organizations, volunteer efforts, and local initiatives. There’s true pride in the city and a shared commitment to enhancing its livability and well-being. That sense of community carries over into Baltimore’s assisted living facilities. You or your loved one can connect with other residents in the community in enclosed courtyards, beauty salons, or dining rooms over chef-prepared meals.

Best hospitals for seniors in Baltimore

Transportation for seniors in Baltimore

Baltimore is a senior-friendly city. Its compact layout makes it ideal for those who enjoy walking. Most assisted living residents shouldn’t venture out into the city on their own. Many of our assisted living community partners offer transportation options. Nearly 60% of Baltimore’s assisted living facilities provide complimentary transportation to medical appointments and local amenities, and about 40% offer at-cost transportation.

While most city residents still rely on cars for transportation, efforts are underway to improve the city’s transit infrastructure. Several convenient public transportation options are available for individuals who prefer to avoid driving. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates an extensive city bus service with multiple high-frequency routes, such as CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink services. Moreover, downtown Baltimore benefits from the MTA’s subway and light rail services. For those exploring downtown, the Charm City Circulator offers a free shuttle system with four routes within the central business district.

Seniors and individuals with disabilities can take advantage of Baltimore’s TaxiCard program, a subsidized transportation alternative. Approved taxicab companies offer convenient rides, and interested individuals can easily register online as long as they meet eligibility requirements.

WalkScore rates cities based on their walkability, bike-ability, and transit options. Baltimore received the following scores out of 100:

Things to do in Baltimore for seniors and their families

Baltimore offers a wealth of attractions and activities that are easily accessible to all. History enthusiasts will be delighted by the extensive selection of traditional museums and historical landmarks. There’s the Baltimore Museum of Industry which offers captivating insights into the city’s industrial age and the visionaries who shaped it. The museum boasts diverse exhibitions on garment making, airplane manufacturing, video game design, and more with live demonstrations and interactive hands-on activities.

For a deeper understanding of Maryland’s rich culture, a visit to the Maryland Center for History and Culture is highly recommended. With an impressive collection of over 200,000 items and artifacts, the center vividly depicts the story and history of life in Maryland. It serves as a captivating resource for exploring the state’s cultural heritage. Both the Baltimore Museum of Industry and the Maryland Center for History and Culture provide accessible and enriching experiences for visitors.

To delve into Baltimore’s significant influence on the United States, make sure to explore some of the city’s historic houses. The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum allows visitors to enter the residence where Poe embarked on his writing journey. Open from Thursday to Sunday, this historic landmark is conveniently situated near Poe’s grave, making it a compelling destination for enthusiasts. Another iconic house to visit is the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, which was once home to Mary Pickersgill, the skilled seamstress who created the U.S. flag that inspired the poem on which the U.S. national anthem is based.

The city provides many options for sports fans, with Camden Yards hosting the Baltimore Orioles baseball team and M&T Bank Stadium being the home of the Ravens. With seasons during opposite times of the year, there is almost always a live sports game to enjoy with friends and family.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is another attraction you shouldn’t miss. You and your loved one can see around 20,000 aquatic creatures representing over 750 species during your trip. The aquarium offers an abundance of accessibility options, including express entry to visitors with special needs and early entry every weekend.