Baltimore, Maryland, is a charming city on Chesapeake Bay with excellent assisted living options. Assisted living is a long-term care solution that provides essential services to support seniors, such as housekeeping, laundry, meals, personal care, and engaging social activities.
In this guide, we list the best assisted living options in Baltimore. Additionally, we provide local information about cost, payment options, laws and regulations, and the activities and amenities available in Baltimore for seniors.
I would recommend Symphony Manor to others. It's a lovely place in a lovely part of Baltimore-not too big and by and large. I had few issues there. The one thing that in addition to cost made me move was...
Charter serves good meals three times a day. Residents are free to ask for anything the kitchen has. Every room has at least a mini fridge and microwave. My leftovers rarely go to waste. On a weekly basis...
Sometimes it may be hard to figure out who to call to sort things out, but overall the staff members at Springwell Senior Living community are very nice.
Lighthouse Senior Living has been a wonderful fit for my moms needs. I think the staff has been great with my Mom and it's great that I can call them whenever and ask how she is.
I don't think they aren't very attentive when it comes to bathing/showering. Not doing it for them, but getting them started. Making sure they eat all of their meals even when they don't want to, at least a...
My loved one is a resident at Morningside House At Satyr Hill and things are working out well for her. The staff seems overall good. It has worked to have nursing available and able to work with the...
Overall my mother in law was cared for. I was happy with the staff on the floor. Everyone at A Place for Mom has been helpful.
I have cared for my mother for many years and deciding to move her to an assisted living is not easy. This facility made us feel welcome and helped us throughout the process. The facility is clean, organized...
Overall experience - very positive. My husband was in assisted living and the transferred to memory care after 1 month. Rooms are cleaned once a week or more often if needed. Bathrooms could be cleaner. Most...
Appropriate staffing for the residents needs seemed to be in deficit. Lack of staff members understanding the care of the residents. My husband could tell a drop in the offerings on the menu by the end of...
Whenever I have made a request, the staff follows through to make it happen. They are reassuring and competent. The caregivers treat my husband with respect and use humor in their interactions with him. I am...
My mother has been a resident of Woodholme Gardens for 2 months. The entire staff is friendly and welcoming and has been very supportive to our family. The attention and support the staff gives my mother is...
It has been a good experience overall! There have been a couple of people who were not very attentive, but over the past couple months, it has gotten better. Overall, most people were very helpful...
We moved my mom into Inspirations Bayside in December. There was quite an adjustment, for my brother and I, more than probably for my mom. The facility had recently changed ownership and you can see that...
It's been good. They have lost some good staff but they have hired other good staff. Again not perfect but my mom is very happy. They take care of her not like me, but good enough. What stood out for me was...
I would recommend the community to others for their loved ones. They have friendly staff, tolerable to good food, they are efficient, and they are coccineous of the residents. They had physical therapy...
Small quaint comfortable surroundings but new management hired inexperienced people and said nothing about who was leaving, and who was hired for elder care. They cannot do the basics like out on compression...
I chose Esther's Place because I went and talked to her and she took the time during covid to talk to me outside for 2 hours and answered all my questions and made me feel at ease and confident that he would...
I was immediately impressed with Roland Park Place. They offer many options for residents from independent to nursing care. Roland Park Place provides a number of "apartments" where couples can live that...
The staff are beyond helpful, they are family. My mother is living there now and is happy, well care for and enjoy the activities.
Glynn Taff is, in my opinion, a hidden gem in the Baltimore area. The facility is spacious, cozy, and very well kept. The dining area is bright and cheery. The facility is decorated according to the...
My parents were firm believers that you get what you pay for. My brother and I looked at six facilities before deciding Brightview was where my mother was going. Brightview was the most expensive but the...
We chose Tudor Heights because they were ale to offer some of the same services at a lower price. Their staff seem to be very involved with the residents and they take the time to get to know them and get to...
My 78 y.o. mother has been dealing with cancer for the last several months and needed more care than I could provide for her myself. Pickersgill turned out to be the best solution for our family. The days...
Seniors in Baltimore paid on average $5,200 a month for assisted living in 2023, based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This number includes all additional charges for amenities and care services. The average cost of assisted living in Baltimore typically includes the following services and amenities:
Assisted living in Baltimore tends to be more expensive than senior apartments, but less expensive than memory care or nursing home care. The cost of your assisted living facility depends on the type of facility you choose. Board and care homes in Baltimore, which are smaller assisted living facilities set within residential homes, cost on average $3,000 a month. While they are smaller, board and care homes offer the same personal care, meal services, and housekeeping as larger assisted living facilities, without offering amenities like pools and gyms[01]
The figures in the following chart represent the baseline costs of assisted living in Baltimore, and exclude any additional fees for amenities or extra services.
Assisted living in Baltimore is less expensive than the average cost of assisted living in Maryland, and is one of the most cost-effective places to find assisted living in Maryland. In Maryland, the average cost of assisted living is $6,300 a month, which is about twice as much as a board and care home in Baltimore. The state of Maryland doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, but some retirement income is still taxable.[02]
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 use multiple private payment options to cover assisted living expenses. These commonly include retirement savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Additionally, you can explore the following methods:
Number of veterans who live in Baltimore
About 51% of Baltimore veterans are over the age of 65
Veterans in the Baltimore area may be eligible for a variety of benefits to help afford assisted living. One notable option is the VA Pension. This pension is specifically designed to provide financial support to eligible veterans. It enhances their overall quality of life. And it can be used to cover assisted living costs.
There’s also the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit is paid in addition to the VA Pension. The Aid and Attendance benefit can be used to pay for anything that helps improve the veteran’s quality of life, including any assisted living fees. Maryland also exempts some veterans benefits and pensions from taxable income.[04]
Over half of the veterans living in Baltimore are over the age of 65. This means local senior veterans should have no trouble finding a veterans support group or veterans benefits advisor. Because the VA benefits system is complex, you or your loved one may need to seek advice from a veterans services organization (VSO) before applying. VSOs are VA-approved and recognized as resources with the most up-to-date guidance on available benefits.
Local VSOs in Baltimore include the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. These organizations offer valuable information about benefits, provide guidance, and act as a central hub for the community. Furthermore, they can also link veterans with other local resources that may be less known but equally advantageous.
Veterans seeking additional support can contact the Baltimore Regional VA Office, Baltimore County Commission on Veterans Affairs, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These offices readily assist veterans with their needs and provide the necessary help.
Resources for Baltimore veterans
Baltimore Regional VA Office
31 Hopkins Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Baltimore County Commission on Veterans Affairs
400 Washington Ave.
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: 410-887-2450
Email: johnnyo@baltimorecountymd.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
16 Francis St., 4th Floor
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-260-3838
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans Post Paul Thompson Mem #1
2324 McElderry St.
Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: 410-274-6328
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8509
337 E. North Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-547-9455
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3065
1202 Union Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410-235-1920
Email: vfw3065@gmail.com
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10078
425 E. Fort Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: 410-539-4210
Email: commanderpost10078@gmail.com
The American Legion — Department of Maryland, Inc.
101 N. Gay St., Room E
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-752-1405
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program for individuals with low incomes or with disabilities. In Maryland, the program is called Maryland Medicaid but is commonly known as Medical Assistance. Because Medicaid is a health insurance program, it only covers health care expenses for qualifying people, such as people receiving skilled nursing care in a nursing home. Maryland Medicaid won’t cover the cost of an assisted living community or any other non-medical senior care facility.
Maryland Medicaid doesn’t cover assisted living costs such as rent and food. But it may cover medical services provided in an assisted living facility. To get this coverage, seniors must get a “waiver” from the federal rule that Medicaid will only pay for skilled nursing care in a nursing home. To get on the waitlist for the Medicaid Waiver for Older Adults, call 1-866-417-3480.
There’s also the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which coordinates health and social services for seniors, so they can live longer at home, including their assisted living apartment. PACE is available on-site at Hopkins ElderPlus, a health program at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
As of 2024, here are the Maryland Medicaid eligibility requirements for seniors:
Eligibility requirements for Medicaid are updated annually.
To help individuals navigate the Medicaid application process, the Maryland Department of Health will offer guidance and answer tricky questions. You can call the department and they will set you up with an advisor. If you or your loved one needs advocacy support, then you can contact Maryland’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Find Medicaid contact information for seniors in Baltimore in our resources section below.
Baltimore resident Medicaid resources
Maryland Medical Assistance Program
Phone: 855-642-8572
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Maryland Department of Health – Apply for Medicaid
201 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
4940 Eastern Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 410-550-8093
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
10 N. Calvert St., Room 300
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-3144
Medicare, a federal health insurance program, won’t cover assisted living costs. Medicare pays for health care expenses for individuals 65 and older and for people diagnosed with certain disabilities or illnesses. Medicare covers eligible expenses like hospital stays, medical appointments, and necessary equipment. You or your loved one can enroll for Medicare online or at your local Social Security office.
In Maryland, many programs can help seniors apply for Medicare coverage, or help pay their Medicare premiums:
If you or your loved one have Medicare questions, the Baltimore City Division of Aging and Care Services and the Maryland Department of Aging can help. The Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program also provides advocacy support.
Baltimore resident Medicare resources
Baltimore Social Security Administration Office
1010 Park Ave., Room 200
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Baltimore City Division of Aging and Care Services
417 E. Fayette St., 6th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-4932
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
301 W. Preston St., Suite 1007
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-1100
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Phone: 800-243-3425
Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
10 N. Calvert St., Room 300
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410-396-3144
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:[05]
Assisted living facilities must abide by several standards, including the following:[05]
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.
201 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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.
Masking. Masks are not required to enter an assisted living facility in Baltimore. During flu season or during a COVID-19 outbreak, you may be asked to put on a mask before entering an assisted living facility, but you can’t be prevented from entering for refusing to wear a mask.
Facility cleanliness. Assisted living facilities have regular deep cleanings of high-traffic areas. All assisted living facilities in Baltimore should be hygienic and tidy.
Quarantine. Facilities must have a designated space for sick individuals to protect other residents and staff members. This applies to both new admissions and current residents exposed to COVID-19 regardless of their vaccination status.
Visitors. All visitors should be allowed to enter the facility, regardless of vaccination status.
Number of people A Place for Mom has referred to our assisted living partner communities in Baltimore in the past 12 months
Average age of residents we referred to our assisted living partner communities in Baltimore
Facility type: 61% of assisted living facilities are board and care homes
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.
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.
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.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Baltimore
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Baltimore population
Median annual income for Baltimore residents in 2022 dollars, adjusted for inflation
Johns Hopkins, a prestigious medical institution located in Maryland, has achieved top-ranking status and gained national acclaim, particularly in rheumatology, neurology, and psychiatry. Seniors can find geriatric specialists and a well-resourced medical system to meet all their needs. It’s located in the Middle East neighborhood of Baltimore’s east side.
This teaching hospital and surgical facility has received notable recognition for its exceptional performance in ear, nose, and throat procedures. It holds prestigious national rankings and is consistently touted as a high-performing institution in five adult specialties. This hospital is in Baltimore’s downtown area.
This hospital has been operating in Baltimore City’s northeast area for over 160 years. It’s recognized for its outstanding performance in orthopedics, and it’s also received recognition as the primary hand surgery center in the state of Maryland.
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.[01]
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:[08]
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.
Lighthouse Senior Living at Martin’s Wood LLC for Hopkins Creek, Morningside House of Friendship and Tribute at Melford are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Baltimore, MD. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Baltimore is $5,042 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Comptroller of Maryland. Maryland Pension Exclusion.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
MyArmyBenefits. Maryland Military and Veterans Benefits.
Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy: 2015 Edition. Maryland.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101): Baltimore city. [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Mean Income in the Past 12 Months: Baltimore city. [Data Set].
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Johns Hopkins Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). University of Maryland Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Baltimore, Maryland.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Comptroller of Maryland. Maryland Pension Exclusion.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
MyArmyBenefits. Maryland Military and Veterans Benefits.
Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy: 2015 Edition. Maryland.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101): Baltimore city. [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Mean Income in the Past 12 Months: Baltimore city. [Data Set].
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Johns Hopkins Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). University of Maryland Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Baltimore, Maryland.