Baltimore stands as Maryland’s most dynamic destination, presenting a delightful array of sports, cuisine, and cultural experiences. Charm City’s significance as the birthplace of The Star-Spangled Banner and its position on the picturesque Chesapeake Bay blends the past and present, catering to a wide spectrum of interests.
Navigating the various types of senior care options in Baltimore can be challenging because the term “nursing home” is often used as a catch-all for senior living communities that offer different types of care. Traditional nursing homes, however, are skilled nursing facilities that provide 24/7 care to individuals with significant health conditions. As such, people searching for “nursing homes” often really only need the kind of care associated with assisted living or memory care facilities. Memory care facilities provide round-the-clock specialized care and long-term housing for seniors with memory loss conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, while assisted living offers support for seniors who are somewhat active but need help with certain activities of daily living.
A Place for Mom partners with 67 senior care facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Baltimore. These range from stand-alone assisted living facilities and memory care to group homes, which are residential homes converted into small assisted living communities. Some of these options have skilled nursing wings or on-site nursing care.
This guide offers a closer look at our partner communities in Baltimore, covering the different types of senior care facilities, average costs, payment options, and the various regulations governing the facilities. Additionally, you and your loved one will discover what makes the home of The Star-Spangled Banner such a great city to live in.
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.
My grandma passed recently and her concierge Ms [name removed] was so thoughtful, helpful, and supportive that I honestly don’t think I could have gotten through it without her, and I just wanted to say...
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...
My wife's mother lived at North Oaks Retirement Community for nearly six years - first independently then with assistance/hospice care - she rarely missed a meal in the dining room and looked forward 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...
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...
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 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...
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...
They are in a big house and all the residents are over 90. They don't have any activities they do themselves, you can go and pick up your loved one for outside activities. They receive excellent care,...
We looked at quite a few facilities and Brightview was having a deal and we got a good value. The room sizes here are adequate for what my mother needs. She definitely has plenty of closet space and a nice...
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...
My loved one's stay is going just great! The facility is very nice and the staff are sure to take care of my loved one. She really likes the menu, as well as the many activities that they have to offer. This...
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
The average monthly cost of skilled nursing care in Baltimore is approximately $10,798 for a semi-private room and $13,490 for a private room.[01] This is slightly higher than the national average. Skilled nursing care stands apart from other long-term care options as it offers more extensive on-site health services to cater to seniors who require around-the-clock supervision.
Skilled nursing facilities typically provide the following services and amenities:
However, not every senior requires 24/7 medical care, making assisted living or memory care more appealing for those who wish to maintain more independence.
For seniors considering assisted living or memory care, A Place for Mom’s proprietary data estimates the monthly costs to be approximately $4,881 for assisted living and $5,262 for memory care at our partner communities.[02] These figures include additional fees and service fee add-ons, such as health care service, meals and dining, on-site activities, assistance with personal care, and more.
Various methods are available for seniors and their families to cover the costs of skilled nursing, memory care, or assisted living. In this section, you will discover how private pay, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can be utilized to finance a move into a senior care community.
Alongside other publicly available resources, private pay methods are frequently used to cover expenses associated with skilled nursing care, memory care, and assisted living. Standard income streams include personal savings, pensions, investment returns, and Social Security benefits. Moreover, those seeking additional private sources may consider the following options:
Number of veterans who live in Baltimore
About 26% of Baltimore veterans are 75+
Eligible veterans in Baltimore are provided with a range of benefits specifically designed to aid them with senior living expenses. One of these benefits is the VA Pension, a program that extends financial support to qualified veterans. Its primary goal is to enhance the recipient’s quality of life by alleviating the burden of senior living costs and ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
Another commonly utilized benefit is Aid and Attendance, which offers additional monthly payments to qualifying wartime veterans receiving the VA Pension. This benefit is designed to aid those who require assistance with daily activities, are bedridden due to an illness, or have impaired vision.
While the Aid and Attendance benefit application can be found online, applying for benefits can be complex and time-consuming. To ensure that seniors receive all the benefits they are entitled to, we recommend consulting with a veterans services officer before proceeding with the application. A veterans services officer is equipped to provide veterans with the most up-to-date benefits advice and will ensure they do not miss out on any eligible benefits.
In Baltimore, seniors can find these officers through local branches of veterans services organizations (VSOs) such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. These organizations serve as valuable community resources, offering access to other local resources that may not be as widely known.
For additional support or questions, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Baltimore’s Commission on Veterans Affairs, and the VA’s Regional Baltimore Office are available to assist veterans.
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
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.
Known as Medical Assistance in Maryland, Medicaid does not cover room and board costs for assisted living or memory care communities. However, it can be used to cover skilled nursing. To be eligible for Medicaid, seniors must meet certain income limits, and nursing facilities must meet specific requirements, including being licensed and certified by the state.
Even though Medicaid won’t cover room and board expenses for seniors interested in assisted living or memory care, they can still utilize it for medically necessary in-home health care costs — such as medications, physical therapy, respite care, and more — through the home and community based services (HCBS) waiver program. There are other programs that can help with in-home personal and health care costs, such as the Community Personal Assistance Services program, the Community First Choice option, the Increased Community Services program, and the Community Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities program.
Additionally, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is specifically designed to offer coordinated health services to seniors, helping them maintain their independence. In Baltimore, PACE is available at Hopkins ElderPlus.
Seniors can apply for Medical Assistance by utilizing the myMDTHINK online platform or by submitting a physical application to the Maryland Department of Human Services. For detailed information on income guidelines and eligibility, the Department of Health website offers a comprehensive manual. If your or your loved one needs Medicaid advocacy support, Maryland’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program can help.
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
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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
Skilled nursing is only partially covered by Medicare because it’s classified as custodial care. Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care if certain conditions are met, including having Part A coverage and remaining days in the benefit period, experiencing a qualifying in-patient stay, and having a doctor’s determination that daily skilled care is necessary.
Medicare does not cover room and board for assisted living and memory care facilities, but it can help with short-term in-home medical care needs and health expenses. However, for seniors utilizing Medicare and needing additional financial assistance, Maryland offers several resources to provide support.
Medicare open enrollment can be accessed through the Department of Aging website or the Social Security Administration. For Medicare-related concerns or advocacy needs, individuals can seek assistance and support from 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
Several organizations at the state and federal levels regulate skilled nursing facilities in Maryland. For all skilled nursing facilities participating in Medicare or Medicaid, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) enforces standards, while Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) regulates licensing of skilled nursing at a state level. Inspections are conducted once a year at a minimum and will happen more frequently if the facility is performing poorly.
In Maryland, all nursing homes are required to provide physician and nursing services; dietetic services; behavioral health services; pharmacy services; specialized rehabilitation services; at least three meals a day; laboratory, radiology, and diagnostic services; dental services; social services; housekeeping; and resident activities. In addition, nursing home administrators must be licensed by the state and there must be a licensed, registered nurse present 24/7.
Assisted living communities, including those with memory care units, are known as Assisted Living Programs (ALPs) in Maryland and are licensed and overseen by DHMH. Inspections are conducted at least every 15 months to ensure compliance. ALPs must meet basic assisted living requirements, including on-site nursing services by a registered nurse, 24/7 staffing, and managers completing 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Additionally, staff assisting with personal care must undergo at least five hours of mental illness and cognitive impairment training within 90 days of employment.
For memory care services, which fall under assisted living regulations, there are further guidelines:
Maryland’s inspections for skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care can be found on the Health Care Commission’s Quality Reporting website.
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 COVID-19 regulations in place. Instead, seniors and families are advised to follow the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In Maryland, the long-term care guidelines align with the recommendations provided by the CDC.
Masking. Health care personnel and volunteers are recommended to use well-fitting, medical-grade face masks. Visitors may choose cloth face masks.
Facility cleanliness. Assigning dedicated equipment to each resident when possible helps ensure thorough disinfection between use by different residents. Additionally, regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces is crucial.
Quarantining. Facilities should have a designated space where individuals needing to isolate can stay. This applies to both new admissions and current residents exposed to COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status.
Baltimore exudes vibrancy and diversity, providing its residents with plenty to see and do. The city’s thriving art scene, picturesque neighborhoods, and delightful culinary landscape ensure never-ending entertainment options for when you visit your loved one. Additionally, Baltimore’s convenient location along the East Coast grants easy access to popular destinations such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., making it an ideal hub.
Although Baltimore’s senior care communities may appear similar at first glance, they offer distinct experiences for their residents. Assisted living is more suitable for individuals who require some assistance with personal care and daily activities while still retaining a certain level of independence. Memory care is the best option for those in need of specialized care to assist with dementia and other memory illnesses. Lastly, skilled nursing care caters to seniors needing specialized medical attention throughout the day without requiring hospitalization.
Of our 67 partner facilities within a 10-mile radius, one is a stand-alone memory care facility, and four are stand-alone assisted living communities. The other 63 offer a combination of care to address seniors’ unique needs. Among these are group homes, which are residential homes converted into small assisted living communities that are often available at a reduced price and provide an experience more catered to individuals. The other combined senior care facilities include:
Residents receive personalized care plans at these combined facilities tailored to their unique requirements and preferences. The staff collaborates closely with residents and their families to ensure they receive the necessary care and support.
Additionally, many more options are available within a 25-mile radius of downtown Baltimore:
Baltimore’s rich cultural scene provides a variety of engaging activities suitable for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, such as visiting museums, theaters, art galleries, and historical landmarks. The city also offers a well-established network of senior centers and programs that cater to seniors’ needs by providing social activities, educational classes, fitness programs, and support groups. These opportunities keep seniors active, socially connected, and mentally stimulated.
The facilities themselves also provide on-site activities to help foster a strong sense of community and keep residents engaged, including devotional activities, arts and crafts, movie nights, holiday parties, and more.
Around 23 of our partner senior care communities in Baltimore offer memory care and include the amenities that make this care type a great option for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This means secured entrances and exits with staff on hand to manage the side effects of these diseases. The staff has specialized memory care training in 63% of facilities, while 21% of communities have wander guards or similar systems to reduce wandering residents and keep communities safe.[02]
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Johns Hopkins, a prestigious medical institution located in Baltimore, has gained national acclaim and prestigious rankings, particularly in rheumatology, neurology, and psychiatry. It is consistently recognized as a high-performing hospital by U.S. News and World Report, offering a diverse range of procedures and medical treatments.
The medical and surgical facility has received considerable recognition for its exceptional achievements in ear, nose, and throat procedures. It holds national rankings and maintains a consistent track record of high performance in five adult specialties and 12 medical conditions.
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital has been recognized for its outstanding achievements in orthopedics, and it has also received accolades in 11 other procedures and medical conditions.
Baltimore is a compact city with convenient transportation options. While driving is common, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers multiple bus and light rail routes for public transportation. For friends and family visiting seniors in long-term care, the Charm City Circulator operates a shuttle system through the central business district.
Seniors who cannot travel alone have various transit choices if they want to leave the community. MobilityLink is a shared ride door-to-door service for individuals who cannot use fixed MTA transit services. Before using MobilityLink, riders must apply, and a personal care attendant can accompany seniors who need assistance.
Baltimore’s TaxiCard program presents a subsidized transportation solution tailored for seniors and individuals with disabilities. With the convenience of approved taxicab companies, eligible participants can access rides through this program. Registering online is a straightforward process, as long as individuals meet the necessary eligibility requirements, opening up a world of convenient travel options for those in need.
Additionally, FreedomCar is a pay-as-you-go car service that provides transportation to appointments and errands for seniors. For those on Medical Assistance, Medical Assistance Transportation is another option available to seniors who require rides to medical appointments. Both services accommodate individuals in wheelchairs as well.
It’s also worthwhile to confirm whether the facility itself offers any transportation services. Among our partner facilities, 54% provide complimentary transportation, and 46% offer at-cost transportation to appointments, errands, and senior centers.[02]
Baltimore is a city known for its diversity and wide range of attractions and activities that are easily accessible to everyone. History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, with numerous traditional museums and historical landmarks to visit. However, discovering suitable activities for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be challenging, considering factors like mood, time of day, and the stage of the disease. Nonetheless, there are several activities that families can consider when venturing out into Baltimore, no matter their ability.
One such option is TALMAR’s Nature Memory Cafe, available on the third Friday of each month. This unique event allows seniors, family, and friends to connect with others while exploring nature at the TALMAR Horticultural Center. Seniors can delight in the garden and its wildlife, while families can connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
Additionally, Baltimore County’s government website offers a resource for dementia-friendly events. Collaborating with Dementia Friendly Baltimore County, they have identified events suitable for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia and update the calendar regularly.
The city offers great options for sports fans, including Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, and M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens play. As these sports have seasons that complement each other, there’s almost always a live game to enjoy with friends and family, making it convenient for sports enthusiasts to participate. For accessibility information, including mobility devices, assistive listening devices, closed captioning, and more, view the Baltimore Ravens’ accessible seating page and the ADA seating guide.
To uncover Baltimore’s significant impact on the United States, explore some of the city’s historic houses with your loved one. The Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum, designated as a national historic landmark, offers visitors a chance to step into the very residence where Poe began his literary journey. Operating from Thursday to Sunday, this house is conveniently located near Poe’s grave, making it an enticing 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 crafted the U.S. flag that inspired the poem on which the U.S. national anthem is based.
Discover the wonders of Baltimore’s National Aquarium, a perfect attraction for seniors and their families. With the exclusive First Saturdays and Sundays program, guests with disabilities and their companions can enjoy a crowd-free half-hour entry before the general opening on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. More than 20,000 aquatic creatures await in exhibits such as the open-ocean shark tank and multiple-story Atlantic Coral Reef, representing an astounding 750 species in their natural habitats. The Aquarium is dedicated to accessibility, offering various options to ensure everyone’s comfort. For seniors aged 70 and above, general admission tickets are $39.95.
More Maryland culture can be found at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. This center is wheelchair-accessible and boasts an impressive collection of over 200,000 items and artifacts, vividly depicting the story and history of life in Maryland.
Tribute at Melford by Cogir, Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Silver Spring and Morningside House of Friendship are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Baltimore, MD. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Baltimore is $6,124 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Views -> Challenger -> By Care type answer 3
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
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.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
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.