Senior Living Apartments in Baltimore, MD

There are several methods available to finance a senior apartment. While long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid do not directly cover the costs of living in senior apartments, they can still be utilized in different ways to help with expenses related to in-home care and necessary medical services.

Individuals often opt to combine multiple financial sources, such as retirement savings, Social Security benefits, or veteran’s benefits, to afford senior apartments. This section will provide insights on how private payments, public assistance, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can all contribute toward funding a transition into a senior apartment community.

Because senior apartments do not provide health care or assistance like other long-term care communities, they don’t follow the same regulatory guidelines. Instead, senior apartments must comply with the same laws and regulations as rental properties.

In Baltimore, state and federal laws are in place to protect tenants and ensure housing is safe and accessible. Before going on the market, all rental units in Baltimore City are registered, inspected, and licensed by the Department of Housing and Community Development, with a complete list of inspection requirements available to the public. Direct inspection inquiries can be sent to: S8Landlord@habc.org or HCVInspections@habc.org.

Renters are also protected from discrimination at the state and federal levels. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect from discrimination and ensure housing is accessible for those with disabilities. Maryland prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities under State Government Article 20-701 – 20-710.

Senior apartment housing also has minimum age requirements. In Maryland, senior apartments generally require individuals to be 62 and older (though some facilities accept younger people with disabilities or spouses under 62).

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 senior apartment communities

Currently, there aren’t any city or statewide ordinances related to COVID-19. Instead, officials recommend following the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You may find some facilities have their own regulations, so it’s always wise to check before visiting a specific community.

Current long-term care guidelines in Maryland are similar to those advised by the CDC.

The home of Major League Baseball’s Orioles and the National Football League’s Ravens, Baltimore is a fun, vibrant, and diverse city with plenty to offer residents of all ages. Known for its rich art scene, charming neighborhoods, and tasty food offerings, there’s plenty to do, see, and taste along its inner and outer harbors. Baltimore is also considered part of the so-called Northeast Megalopolis, making it an easy drive or train ride to other cosmopolitan cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C. for those who love to travel.

Transportation options for an independent lifestyle

Many senior apartments have on-site parking facilities. While some may include this in the rental cost, it may also be offered for an add-on fee, providing seniors easy access to their vehicles. For those who don’t have a car or would prefer not to drive, many senior apartments offer at-cost or complimentary transportation, typically including shuttle services to shopping centers, doctor’s appointments, and senior centers.

On-site activities that encourage friendship

There are many opportunities for seniors to make new friends at Baltimore’s senior apartments, whether bonding over shared interests like golf and art or participating in group activities like a cooking class. Most facilities have games rooms for people who enjoy table or card games, and many organize day trips and group outings for those who prefer to explore with new friends beyond the limits of their community center.

A professional sports-centric community

Baltimore is a city that loves its big-time sports, and there’s plenty year-round to follow. Aside from the aforementioned Orioles and Ravens, Charm City is also just a 40-mile trip to the nation’s capital, which boasts the Washington Commanders (NFL), Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA), and Nationals (MLB). Horse-racing aficionados can also travel to Pimlico Race Course, which hosts the Preakness Stakes, the “middle jewel” of the elusive Triple Crown, on the third Saturday in May.

Health care for seniors in Baltimore

Transportation for seniors in Baltimore

Baltimore is a relatively compact city, meaning it’s reasonably walkable for seniors who prefer to get around on foot. With a walk score of 64 and a bike score of 53, however, most people still get around by car. Walk Score grades cities across the country on walkability, bikeability, and ease of public transport. Efforts are being made to improve the transit infrastructure in the city.

For those who don’t want to drive, Baltimore has a city bus service through the Maryland Transit Authority, which provides multiple high-frequency bus routes, including the CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink services. Additionally, the MTA offers subway and light rail services in downtown Baltimore. The central business district also has a four-route, free shuttle system called the Charm City Circulator for those who want to explore downtown Baltimore.

For seniors and those with disabilities, Baltimore’s TaxiCard program is a great alternative. This subsidized transportation program provides transport with any subsidized taxicab companies. Individuals must meet program requirements and registration can be completed online.

Senior activities in Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse city, something that’s reflected in the sights and activities that fill the calendar year. Those interested in history will be inundated with options, from traditional museums to historical landmarks.

The Baltimore Museum of Industryoffers unique insights into the innovators behind Baltimore’s industrial age. Whether you’re interested in garment making, airplane manufacturing, or video game design, this museum offers a vast number of exhibitions along with live demonstrations and hands-on activities.

To understand a little more about the culture of Maryland, consider a visit to the Maryland Center for History and Culture, which houses more than 200,000 items and artifacts that tell the story and history of life in Maryland. For those interested in the city’s historic landmarks, be sure to visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Listed as a national historic landmark, the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum lets visitors explore the house the famous poet lived in when he launched his career. Open Thursday to Sunday (reservations are required), the house is a short distance from his grave. Another house worth visiting is the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, whichwas home to Mary Pickersgill, the woman who sewed the U.S. flag that inspired the American national anthem.

Ranked as one of the top three aquariums in the nation, the National Aquarium is located in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and has discounted rates for seniors aged 70-plus. Another great daylong excursion is the Maryland Zoo, which is located just minutes outside of downtown in Druid Hill Park and also offers discounted rates to senior visitors.

It’s worth noting that the city of Baltimore puts a lot of effort into ensuring seniors have access to trips, classes, and recreational programs. The Department of Recreation and Parks frequently hosts these events. For those who would like a more regular opportunity to connect with local seniors, consider visiting one of Baltimore’s many senior centers.