Maryland is a state known for affordable healthcare. Match this with historical and natural attractions, interesting local culture and fair climate, this place may just be the place for you to retire. Assisted living in Maryland, MD is also thriving because of the above-mentioned factors and anywhere you look, you may find something that will best address your needs. Before you decide on whether to live in Maryland for the rest of your life or not, here is a guide of important facts that you might want to consider:
Assisted Living Costs
The truth is if we talk about statistics, the assisted living monthly median cost in Maryland is more expensive than the national average. You might pay as high as $4,673 as opposed to the country’s average, which is $4,000. However, if this cost is compared to nearby states, the assisted living cost in Maryland is less expensive. With this said, this should not discourage you since the state has a handsome financial assistance plans for those who would like to live in a retirement community.
Assisted Living Financial Assistance
Maryland residents are provided with financial assistance for the senior living costs granted that they fit the criteria: disabled, elderly or low-income. Some of these programs include Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Program and HCBS Waiver. For the former, the eligible ones are those who are 62 years of age and above while in the latter, people as young as 52 may apply for the subsidy. On the other hand, both financial assistance programs have strict guidelines in terms of monthly income, assets owned and medical conditions. Once the guidelines are met, the request will be approved and they will pay a part of the monthly cost to the retirement community of your choice.
Other Assisted Living Financial Assistance Programs
Aside from the two major programs above, there are other ways in which you can get financial assistance for assisted living. There is the Life Insurance Policies, Long-Term Care Insurance, Veteran’s Benefits, and Reverse Mortgages.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations
There are strict laws and regulations set in place by the Department of Health in Maryland in terms of running retirement communities. This ensures the safety of all the residents living there. One important regulation that they must abide by is the staffing requirement. All assisted living communities in the state must have trained team members and have been background checked before becoming a part of the community. The communities must also be able to meet the requirements and have expertise in medication management set forth by the Department of Health. Lastly, in the case of abuse, every team member of the community MUST report witnessed or perceived abuse to the authorities within 24 hours. In addition, members should also report financial exploitation made against the residents of the retirement community.
COVID-19 Rules
Because of the recent pandemic caused by COVID-19, the government of Maryland has also set in-place rules and guidelines so the virus will not spread in the community. Visitors must be screened. Even team members and residents must be routinely checked for symptoms and elevated temperatures to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in the assisted living community.
