Maryland Assisted Living Costs & Statistics

Just over 2 million of Maryland’s 5.8 million residents are 50 or older, accounting for well over one in three Maryland residents. Where do seniors in the state stand on a range of issues, including demographics, health and financial matters?

Maryland’s median age of 38.8 puts it right in the middle when compared to other states, and the state has a similar percentage of residents in over 50 when compared to the nation as a whole. Still, Maryland’s senior population is exceptional in several ways, including:

• Diversity: Maryland is seventh in the United States for the percentage of residents over 60 who are people of color (37.8 percent)
• Income: Maryland’s median household income for those 65 and older is fourth-highest in the country ($56,296)
• Employment: Nearly 45 percent of Maryland residents 55 and up are still in the labor force, which is No. 8 in the country

Living Costs for Seniors in Maryland

Maryland's cost of living is higher than the national average, with a housing index of 116.80. One bedroom apartments cost on average $1,147 a month (compared to the U.S. average of $825 a month), while two bedroom apartments go for an average of $1,385 a month (U.S. average is $1,027 a month).

With a higher-than-average housing index, it's expected that Maryland's monthly costs of living for seniors are also more than in other states. The average home health care costs are approximately $4,143 a month. Home health care services enable seniors to live in their own homes while service aides help to keep the house clean, run day to day errands, and cook meals for them.

Adult day care costs for seniors in Maryland average out to $1,679 a month. This fee allows elderly to stay at a supervised facility during the day while their caregivers tend to their other errands and responsibilities. Since adult day care does not include round the clock care, it's best for seniors who are mostly independent but could use some social activities to keep them busy.

Aging loved ones who need more help with their everyday tasks may consider an assisted living facility in Maryland. For an average monthly cost of $4,150 a month, seniors are able to receive personal care and health services.

Last but not least, nursing homes are available throughout the state for those who need 24/7 supervision and care. It is much more costly than the other living options, but also provides the most for seniors. Nursing home residents receive personal care, medication, housing, supervision, therapies and rehabilitation, and 24/7 nursing care. The cost for a semi-private room in Maryland is roughly $9,125 a month, while a private room is about $9,916 a month.

Looking for assisted living in a bigger city? Check out our guide to the best assisted living communities in Baltimore.

Senior Living Options in Maryland

Seniors in Maryland have several living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, or nursing home care depending on individual needs. See which one best suits yours by reviewing each option below.

Independent Living

With more than 200 independent living facilities in Maryland, seniors have a good number of options to choose from. Senior apartment communities are also available for rent and these typically come with amenities like fitness centers, pools, walking trails, and more for residents to enjoy. Independent living is best for seniors who are healthy & active, and don't require 24/7 nursing care. The average costs of independent living facilities range from $495 to $4,840 a month.

Assisted Living

Maryland is home to more than 600 assisted living facilities throughout the state, providing seniors with attentive caregivers, healthcare, and access to local activities and social opportunities. Amenities will vary from place to place, but residents can expect to receive help with housekeeping duties, laundry, transportation, meal services, and 24-hour staffing to ensure safety.

The average cost of assisted living facilities in the state range from $900 to $8,800 depending on various factors like location. For example, the more affordable assisted living facilities are located around the Cumberland area, while the more expensive ones are found in the Salisbury metropolitan area.

Memory Care

Seniors with dementia will do best at a memory care facility, which are specifically designed to make living with dementia a bit less stressful. Professional staff are always around to help any seniors who may have gotten lost wandering, forgot how to do an otherwise normal daily task like personal hygiene, or need emotional support. There are 389 memory care facilities in Maryland. The average cost is $59,160 per year, which comes out to be on par with the national average cost for memory care.

Nursing Homes

Maryland has over 850 senior living providers, covering all the diverse needs a senior may need, no matter their health or mental complications.

There are more than 40 adult daycare facilities here, at an average annual cost of $19,760. Maryland lines up closely to the national average, but has a slimmer range in costs with the lowest priced adult daycare center coming in at $1,440 a month, and the most expensive one only costing twice as much. Adult daycare centers in Maryland provide all the meals throughout the day, professional staff to assist with daily tasks and administering medications.

Hospices in Maryland offer terminally ill patients relief from the pain and mental anguish of being amongst their final days. Artistic classes are given to help patients express themselves creatively and constructively, and to stay mentally engaged. Counseling is offered to patients as well as to their families, to help come to terms with this trying time in their lives, and to find acceptance and peace of mind. There are 35 hospices in Maryland, with staff on hand to help figure out financing through Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurances.

Family caregivers often need extra help, or to have time off to recharge from the time-consuming duties of caring for an elderly loved one. Respite care facilities can take in a senior with health complications for as little as a day, to as long as needed. There are 354 respite care facilities in the state, costing $98,368 a year on average. Daily costs can be as little as $200 a day, but heavily depends on what type of care plan the senior will need, in regards to their health conditions and emotional needs.