Joanne Wigod Assisted Living Locators of Northern Baltimore

Assisted living costs in the Baltimore area vary widely, ranging from approximately $2,500 per month for a shared room in an assisted living home to around $12,000 per month for a luxurious one-bedroom apartment in an upscale community.

No, Medicare and Medicare supplements do not typically cover assisted living expenses. However, long-term healthcare insurance, Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits, and county supplements can help offset the costs. Both the veterans’ and county programs are need-based.

Assisted living homes and communities offer comprehensive support for residents, including assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation, medication management, laundry service, room cleaning, as well as help with bathing, dressing, and transferring if necessary. Many also have on-site medical services and offer transportation to medical appointments.

For in-patient neuropsychiatric evaluation, Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Towson and Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Hospital are frequently recommended options in the area.

To move into assisted living in Maryland, a senior should have a healthcare practitioner’s form and MOLST (Maryland Order for Life Sustaining Treatment) form completed within 30 days before the move. A TB test or chest X-ray during the same timeframe is also required. While COVID-19 regulations may change, many communities demand a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before the move. The senior should be prepared to show a government-issued ID, provide copies of health insurance cards, copies of prescriptions, and complete a resident agreement form. In cases where the senior lacks the capacity, their power of attorney can assist with these requirements.

The timeline for moving into assisted living can vary, with some families completing the process in as little as 24 hours. Typically, most individuals transition within three weeks after initiating the process.