Skip Navigation

Assisted living is a special combination of housing and support services designed to respond to the individual needs of people who need help with the activities of daily living but do not need the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home. Assisted living care promotes maximum independence and dignity for each resident and encourages the involvement of the resident's family and friends. 

Assisted living programs are regulated by the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Health Care Quality. Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) are licensed to provide a specific level of care related to the needs of the individual.

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

As you compare Assisted Living Facilities, we hope this list of questions will assure you that the residence you choose will be one that meets your needs.

 

Find an Assisted Living Facility

The Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) maintains a Licensee Directory of all Assisted Living Facilities. For questions about the Licensee Directory, contact OHCQ by calling 877-402-8221.

There are more than 300 Maryland Assisted Living Facilities listed by the Maryland Health Care Commission.

Medicaid Waiver Home and Community-Based Options

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) option provides a waiver for services in the community to qualified low-income adults, age 18 and over. The program will provide individuals, who are at risk of nursing home placement, with the opportunity to obtain needed services in their home or an Assisted Living Facility. To be eligible for this program, an applicant must meet the income and medical needs requirements.

The individual will receive a Medical Assistance card to cover prescriptions, doctor visits and hospitalizations. The HCBS waiver program will cover other services based on need, like in-home care, adult day care, medical supplies and home-delivered meals.

To place your name on the Registry waitlist, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Baltimore County by calling 410-887-2594.

Other Related Programs

  • Assisted Living at Continuing Care Retirement Communities
    Supportive services are a part of the life-care concept of most Retirement Communities. Although most Communities require residents to be capable of independent living when entering the facility, some provide assisted living and nursing care upon entrance. The fee structure may vary, depending on the type of services.

  • Adult Foster Care and Project Home Assisted Living Programs
    These programs provide care for older adults who are mentally ill or frail. Providers go through an in-depth assessment by a social worker, which includes a Health Department inspection and a police record check. These homes are regulated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and monitored by the local Department of Social Services with monthly contact by a social worker. Adult Foster Care homes are for one to three residents; Project Home programs consist of one to eight residents. Residents are case managed by a social worker, but 24-hour supervision is not provided. Call the Baltimore County Department of Social Services at 410-853-3000.

  • Nursing Homes
    Nursing homes provide the highest levels of supportive care for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Nursing homes provide 24-hour nursing services, personal care, medication administration and various therapies. Payment sources for nursing home care include private payment, Medical Assistance, Medicare and Long Term Care Insurance. Medical eligibility requirements for Medicare and Medical Assistance are determined by independent review organizations. The Department of Social Services Long Term Care Unit determines financial eligibility for Medical Assistance payment. Call 410-853-3270 for information.

Explore Senior Housing Options

 

Contact Us

Department of Aging

611 Central Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204

Hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone

Fax

410-887-2159

Director

Laura D. Riley