Assisted Living in Prince Georges County, MD

Assisted Living Costs in Prince Georges County

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Prince George’s County is $5,235, which is substantially higher than both the national average ($4,000) and the state average ($4,673). When compared to larger cities such as Baltimore, which is Maryland’s capital, the average cost of assisted living is nearly $1,000 higher in Prince George’s County, and when compared to Cumberland, one of the state’s smaller cities, the price is more than $1,500 higher each month. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Prince George’s County: $5,235
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,673
• Baltimore: $4,250
• California: $5,900
• Cumberland: $3,650
• Hagerstown: $5,045
• Salisbury: $5,315

Care Cost Comparison

The type of care needed is usually the biggest factor in determining the average monthly cost of senior care. In Prince George’s County, this is evident when comparing the cost of assisted living to the cost of nursing home care, which is more than $2,000 higher. While assisted living is more expensive than home care services by several hundred dollars, it’s important to keep in mind the added costs that are involved with continuing to live at home, such as rent, utilities and general upkeep, all of which are usually included in the cost of assisted living. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,235
• Homemaker services: $4,481
• Home health aide: $4,576
• Adult day health: $1,625
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,437

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Prince Georges County

Medicaid in Maryland

In Maryland, the Medicaid system is officially referred to as Medical Assistance (MA). MA provides financial assistance, as well as supportive services and necessary medical equipment and prescription medications to low-income residents throughout Maryland. In addition to seniors, MA’s various programs serve ill and disabled individuals and provides temporary assistance to those who are injured or pregnant when required. 

There are several programs and waivers that operate as a part of MA and provide seniors with financial and medical support while living in a licensed assisted living facility or nursing home or while receiving home-based care. While waiver eligibility requirements vary slightly, all programs and waivers require that seniors do not have an income that exceeds $2,250 per month, and they may not have assets that are valued at more than $2,500, with the exception of their home and household belongings, which may not exceed a value of $572,000. 

To learn more about any of the state’s Medicaid programs or waivers or to apply, seniors can contact (844) 627-5465.

Community Personal Assistance Services

MA covers the cost of nursing home care and assisted living for low-income seniors under its Community Personal Assistance Services program. In order to receive benefits under this program, seniors must require daily caregiver assistance with at least one activity of daily living. Participants of this program are regularly monitored by a registered nurse. 

Community First Choice Program

Another program that operates as a subsection of MA is the Community First Choice Program, which provides seniors with access to personal assistance services, meals and nonemergency transportation. The program requires that seniors submit to a full medical assessment and be determined to need an institutional level of care. 

Community Options Waiver

The Community Options Waiver is available to seniors who reside in an approved nursing or assisted living facility exclusively and provides services such as medical day care, personal assistance, nursing care and supports planning. Applicants are required to submit to a full medical assessment and be determined to require a nursing level of care.

Increased Community Services Waiver

The Increased Community Services Waiver was created to allow seniors who reside in a nursing home to move back into the community or into an assisted living facility by providing nursing support and other tools that allow the senior to live more independently. In order to be eligible for this program, seniors must be residing in a nursing home and be able to safely move back into a community while receiving a lower level of care.  

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy

Seniors in Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland can access assisted living services in small group home settings via the Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy. Group homes under this program must be licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and house between four and 16 residents. Seniors participating in this program receive subsidized rates for all services provided in their assisted living home, including meals. 

To be eligible for this program, seniors must be at least 62 years of age and living in or approved for residence in a licensed facility. They must also be financially eligible, which means they may not have an income higher than 60 percent of the state median, and individuals may not own assets valued at more than $11,000. The amount of the subsidy is determined by the applicant’s income up to a maximum of $650 per month.

Seniors can learn more about this subsidy and the application process by contacting (877) 402-8218.

Optional State Supplement

Seniors who receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can apply for additional support via Maryland’s Optional State Supplement (OSS). The OSS benefit is designed to help low-income seniors pay for the cost of room and board while living in a long-term care facility. The amount of the benefit is determined by the senior’s living arrangements, but for those in assisted living, a maximum cash benefit of $184 per month is available. To be eligible to receive the OSS, seniors must receive monthly SSI benefits and may not possess assets valued at more than $2,000.

To apply for the OSS, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Long Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance can help seniors to pay for the cost of assisted living or nursing care in the event that their policy was purchased before the need for long-term care existed. While eligibility requirements and policy terms do vary between providers, insurance providers don’t generally provide policies to those who already require institutionalization. 

The cost of long-term care insurance varies depending on a number of factors including the provider, the plan and the policyholder’s age and health history.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Seniors who are unable to receive government financial aid may be eligible for an Elderlife bridge loan. These loans cover the cost of assisted living or nursing care and are paid directly to the senior’s residence. Seniors can repay the loans in monthly installments over a flexible term and at low interest rates. 

Those who may be unable to qualify for a loan are permitted to include up to six co-applicants on their application, which can help to increase the chances of approval and reduce monthly payments substantially. 

Assisted Living Resources in Prince Georges County

Senior Citizen Centers

Senior citizen centers in Prince George’s County are open to residents of the area age 55 and older. They typically provide seniors with access to programming that includes social activities, support groups, congregate meals, fitness programs and educational classes on topics such as nutrition, computers or finance.

Camp Springs Senior Activity Center
6420 Allentown Rd, Temple Hills, MD 20748
(301) 449-0490

Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center
7120 Contee Rd, Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 206-3350

Bowie Senior Center
14900 Health Center Dr, Bowie, MD 20716
(301) 809-2300

Aging Services

Aging Services is a branch of the Prince George’s County government. It provides a range of services that are meant to protect and support the best interest of seniors living in Prince George’s County. Some of the services offered by this department include a long-term care ombudsman program, senior volunteer and employment programs and benefits assistance and mediation. 

Prince George’s County Aging and Disability Services
5012 Rhode Island Ave, #114, Hyattsville, MD 20781
(301) 985-3800

Veterans Affairs

Seniors may be eligible for medical or financial assistance through their local Veterans Affairs (VA) office. Medical benefits are provided to eligible seniors in VA clinics across the country. To learn about available programs and eligibility requirements, seniors can visit their local VA office.

Veterans Affairs
6420 Allentown Rd, Temple Hills, MD 20748
(301) 248-0463

VA Outpatient Clinic
5801 Allentown Rd, Camp Springs, MD 20746
(301) 423-3700