Baltimore, affectionately known as Charm City, is one of Maryland’s most vibrant places, offering a diverse range of dining, sports, and cultural experiences. As the birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner and with its location on Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore offers a mix of history and modernity that caters to every interest.
Baltimore is an ideal choice if you’re searching for memory care for your loved one. Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Baltimore, there are 24 memory care facilities, only one of which is a standalone memory care provider. The rest are integrated into larger assisted living communities that allow seniors to “age in place.” This advanced setup facilitates smoother transitions between different levels of care when required, ensuring seniors have access to amenities and activities that enhance their quality of life.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of memory care in Baltimore, covering aspects such as cost and payment options, regulations safeguarding seniors’ rights, health care facilities in the region, transportation services, and ability-appropriate activities for your loved one to enjoy.
Covid and Mom's need for more care dictated a cross country move from Maryland to stay with my husband and me in California. After several years and her longing for home, my brother in Texas and I decided...
They could improve on being a little more active with getting my mom up in the am and helping her dress. Weekends there are few people working. I'm not of the same happens with others.
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.
When it comes to the value for cost gets a 3, but that's because fortunately my father isn't in need of as much care as others. They could improve on the food. The food service not very good
Mom has been at Sunrise almost a year now. All of the caretakers/nurses/med techs and staff have been a pleasure to work with! Everyone we have dealt with has been kind, patient and understanding. We are...
Overall, our experience at The Cottages has been a good one. My mother has dementia and is still in Assisted Living. We have been here for [date removed] years. The management team is A+. Great...
Staff friendly, helpful, and caring. Many turnovers with dining staff and some with nursing staff. The two women at the top...the Director, [name removed] and Director of admissions, [name removed] were...
Overall it is clean but they forgot to clean my moms bathroom a couple of times. My mom isn't a fan of their food. They do pretty good with games. The cost is very reasonable compared to other facilities
They keep the facilities very clean and well kept up. I give the care services that grade because I believe they are understaffed. My mom feels the food has greatly improved and there is good variety. My mom...
What I like the most about Woodholme Gardens is the friendliness of the directors and the chef. Based on the experience I would recommend this community to other families who may need a place for their loved...
Everything has been fantastic with them at Spring House I tell them that all the time. My grandmother herself was quite the opposite but she is finally deciding that she would like to stay there . it was a...
We chose Paradise Assisted Living Initially due to the cost and the services provided. Great staff. They understand dementia patient with out separation from regular people. I highly recommend them.
I would give them all 5's. We were very impressed by not only how they treated my father, but also my mother. We would and we have recommended Inspirations to other families!
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...
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.
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...
From the very beginning of touring the facility to moving my mom into Rolling Hills the staff couldn't have been more helpful. Everyone is friendly and eager to make my mom feel at home and they have...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Baltimore community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average monthly cost of our partner memory care communities in Baltimore is $5,262.[01] This comprehensive cost includes associated fees and service fee add-ons. It also factors in many of the services provided within memory care facilities, such as health care services, meals and dining, transportation, on-site activities, and access to secured courtyards and community spaces.
The costs below illustrate the baseline expenses that families can anticipate for memory care without additional fees.
Seniors and their families typically use various methods to finance memory care expenses. For instance, Medicare and Medicaid programs can assist with health care costs, while private funding can be utilized for custodial expenses like room and board. While some individuals rely on a single financial source to fund memory care, most people combine different income streams to cover these costs.
In this section, we will explore how private payments, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can cover all or part of a senior’s memory care expenses.
Various private payment options are available for seniors to cover memory care expenses. These commonly include personal savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Additionally, seniors can explore the following methods:
Number of veterans who live in Baltimore
About 26% of Baltimore veterans are 75+
Eligible veterans living in the Baltimore area have access to various benefits that can be used to assist with memory care expenses. Among these is the VA Pension, which is dedicated to offering financial support to eligible veterans, ensuring an improved quality of life, and helping cover the costs of memory care.
Veterans needing financial assistance can access several VA benefits for housing expenses and health-related costs. One of the more commonly used benefits is Aid and Attendance, which offers additional monthly payments to wartime veterans who qualify for the VA Pension. This benefit is designed to assist those who require aid with daily activities, who are bedridden due to an illness, or who have impaired vision.
Although the Aid and Attendance benefit application can be found online, the process of applying for benefits can be complicated and drawn out. To ensure seniors get everything they’re entitled to, we recommend consulting with a veterans service officer before proceeding with an application. A veterans service officer is equipped to provide veterans with the most up-to-date benefits advice and will make sure veterans aren’t leaving anything on the table.
In Baltimore, seniors can find these officers through veterans services organizations (VSOs) in the local branches of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. These organizations not only offer information but also serve as valuable community centers, providing access to other local resources that may not be as well-known.
For additional support or any inquiries, Baltimore’s Commission on Veterans Affairs, the Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the VA’s Regional Baltimore Office are also available to assist.
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.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans Post Paul Thompson Mem #1
2324 McElderry St.
Baltimore, MD 21205
Phone: 410-274-6328
Paralyzed Veterans of America — Baltimore Office
31 Hopkins Plaza, Room 1236
Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-230-4470, ext. 1020
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
he 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, known as Medical Assistance in Baltimore, is available for all seniors who meet age and income requirements and can support memory care residents in a couple of ways. For seniors unable to cover costs and who are moving to an assisted living facility with memory care support, a maximum subsidy of up to $1,056 may be available per month under the Senior Assisted Living Subsidy program.
For those who don’t meet income requirements, Medical Assistance may be used to cover some in-home health care costs through home and community based services (HCBS) waivers. The Community Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities offer a range of in-home personal assistance and nurse monitoring programs, while the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is specifically tailored to support and coordinate health services for seniors so that they can maintain their independence. Both programs are dedicated to providing comprehensive health care support. Baltimore’s PACE program is available at Hopkins ElderPlus.
To apply for Medical Assistance, seniors can start the process online through myMDTHINK or by submitting a physical application to the Department of Human Services. For in-depth information regarding income guidelines and eligibility, the Department of Health website provides comprehensive resources. The local long-term care ombudsman is also a tremendous asset for any Medicaid-related questions or concerns.
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
201 W. Preston St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Maryland Department of Human Services
311 W. Saratoga St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 800-332-6347
Hopkins ElderPlus
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 is a federal health insurance program that helps millions of people over the age of 65, but it doesn’t cover the custodial costs related to memory care. Still, it can be used toward some of the medical costs associated with memory care. This encompasses essential short-term medical care, in-home assistance, and various health-related expenses. For seniors who qualify and are admitted to an Alzheimer’s special care unit, Medicare may provide coverage for certain associated costs.
For assistance with Medicare costs, both the Maryland Medicare Savings Program and Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) provide financial support for things like premiums, copays, and prescription drugs. Additionally, Maryland’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers financial counseling services and more to individuals seeking guidance on their health insurance benefits.
Another valuable resource is Hopkins ElderPlus, also known as Maryland’s Program of the All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This program is designed to provide comprehensive support and coordinate care services for seniors, ensuring they receive all the entitled benefits. Detailed information about PACE is accessible online.
Medicare open enrollment can be accessed via the state’s Department of Aging website or through the Social Security Administration. When faced with Medicare-related concerns or needing advocacy, individuals can seek assistance and support through the dedicated ombudsman programs offered by the Baltimore City Division of Aging and Care Services and the Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
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.
Maryland Department of Aging
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
Hopkins ElderPlus
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
Assisted living facilities that offer memory care are classed as assisted living programs (ALPs) in Maryland and are regulated and licensed by the Department of Health. Inspections occur at a minimum every 15 months. Basic assisted living requirements must be in place, including:
Beyond these standards, facilities offering memory care services have additional guidelines to meet. Those include:
Families and seniors can access inspection reports through Maryland’s Health Care Commission search portal. Comprehensive guidelines for assisted living and memory care can be found online.
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.
Currently, there are no specific city or statewide regulations regarding COVID-19. Instead, seniors and families are advised to adhere to the latest guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Masking. Health care personnel and volunteers are advised to use well-fitting, medical-grade face masks, while visitors may opt for cloth face masks.
Facility cleanliness. Whenever feasible, assigning dedicated equipment to each resident is recommended to ensure thorough disinfection between use by different residents. Regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces is also essential.
Quarantine. Facilities should have a designated space for individuals needing isolation or quarantine. This applies to both new admissions and current residents exposed to COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status.
Baltimore is a dynamic and diverse city that offers many attractions for seniors and their families who want to venture beyond their memory care community. With a thriving art scene, charming neighborhoods, and a wide array of eclectic food, Baltimore has plenty of opportunities to explore.
Memory care facilities are designed to meet the needs of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s; this means secured entrances and exits with staff on hand to manage the side effects of these progressive diseases. The staff has specialized memory care training in 63% of A Place for Mom’s partner facilities, while 21% of communities have WanderGuard or similar systems to reduce any instances of wandering residents.
Of the 24 memory care facilities within 10 miles of downtown Baltimore, one is a standalone community. The rest are part of a larger assisted living community designed to allow residents to stay within the same community as their care needs evolve. Residents in combined assisted living and memory care facilities receive personalized care plans that address their specific needs and preferences, and staff works closely with residents and their families to ensure they receive the appropriate level of care and support.
Baltimore’s vibrant cultural scene offers numerous opportunities for seniors and their families to engage in activities appropriate for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and historical landmarks. The city boasts a well-developed network of senior centers and programs, which offer social activities, educational classes, fitness programs, and support groups designed to keep seniors active, socially connected, and mentally stimulated.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Baltimore
Median annual income for Baltimore seniors 65 and older
Johns Hopkins, a universally renowned medical institution in Baltimore, has earned national recognition and prestigious rankings, especially in the fields of rheumatology, neurology, and psychiatry. U.S. News and World Report consistently acknowledges it as a high-performing hospital, encompassing a diverse range of medical procedures.
The medical and surgical facility at UMMC has garnered significant acclaim from U.S. News and World Report for its outstanding performance in ear, nose, and throat procedures. It boasts prestigious national rankings and maintains a consistent high-performing status in five adult specialties and 12 specific medical conditions.
MedStar Union Memorial has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its exceptional performance in orthopedics, and it has also received accolades in 11 other procedures and medical conditions.
Baltimore is a compact city that’s relatively easy to get around. While most people drive, the city offers several bus and light rail routes through the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA). For friends visiting seniors in memory care, a service called the Charm City Circulator operates like a shuttle system through the central business district.
Because most seniors in memory care cannot travel alone, there are also several transit options for those who need to leave the community. MobilityLink is a shared ride door-to-door service for those unable to use the fixed MTA transit services. Riders must apply before using MobileLink, and a personal care attendant can ride with seniors unable to travel alone.
Another option is FreedomCar, a pay-as-you-go car service that will drive seniors to any appointments or errands. Similarly, Medical Assistance Transportation is available for seniors who are on Medical Assistance and need rides to medical appointments. Both offer options for those in wheelchairs.
Finding suitable activities for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be tricky, as it often can be influenced by mood, time of day, and the stage of the disease. Still, there are several activities families could consider when taking their loved ones out in Baltimore.
TALMAR’s Nature Memory Cafe is open on the third Friday of each month. It offers seniors, family, and friends the ability to connect with others and explore nature at the TALMAR Horticultural Center. Seniors can enjoy the garden and its wildlife, while families can connect with other people going through similar experiences. You can also find dementia-friendly events on Baltimore County’s government website, which has collaborated with Dementia Friendly Baltimore County to identify events appropriate for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is another great attraction for you and your loved one. The Aquarium’s First Saturdays and Sundays program allows guests with disabilities and their loved ones to enter half an hour before the Aquarium opens on the first Saturday and the first Sunday of each month, to ensure a leisurely visit free of crowds. Watch in wonder as thousands of aquatic creatures representing over 750 species swim in their natural habitat. The open-ocean shark tank and multiple-story Atlantic Coral Reef are two standout exhibits. The Aquarium offers an abundance of accessibility options should your loved one need them. General admission tickets cost $39.95 for seniors aged 70 and above.
Activity is often an essential part of managing memory-related health issues, so the Baltimore County Department of Aging offers a number of senior-friendly exercise programs for those who need it most. For seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, aqua aerobics could be an ideal way to maintain mobility without putting pressure on the joints, while the likes of chair aerobics or tai chi may be more appropriate for others who are less mobile.
For those who want to immerse themselves in Maryland culture, a visit to the Maryland Center for History and Culture comes highly recommended. This wheelchair-accessible center has an impressive collection of over 200,000 items and artifacts, vividly portraying the story and history of life in Maryland.
If you and your loved one want to learn more about the impact Baltimore has had on the United States, be sure to visit some of the city’s historic houses. The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, recognized as a national historic landmark, allows visitors to enter the residence where Poe began his writing journey. Open from Thursday to Sunday, this house conveniently sits near Poe’s grave, making it a compelling destination for enthusiasts. Another iconic house worth visiting is the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, once the home of Mary Pickersgill, the skilled seamstress who created the U.S. flag that inspired the poem on which the U.S. national anthem is based.
Tribute at Melford by Cogir, Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Silver Spring and Morningside House of Friendship are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Baltimore, MD. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Baltimore is $6,065 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
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.
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A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
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.