3 Communities in Sykesville, Maryland

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,250 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 3 Assisted Living Communities in Sykesville and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Sykesville, MD

• Assisted Living: $4,250
• Nursing Home Care: $9,733
• In-home Care: $4,004
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,880

At $4,250 monthly, assisted living costs in Sykesville are among the lowest in Maryland, according to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study. This is higher than the national average ($4,000). However, it’s relatively affordable compared to the Maryland norm ($4,673).

In Maryland, the only major city with more affordable care is Cumberland, at $3,650 per month. Other major cities, such as Hagerstown ($5,045), Salisbury ($5,315) and California ($5,900), are significantly more expensive for seniors.

Note: Since senior care cost data wasn’t available for Sykesville, data for Baltimore, the closest city, has been used.

While location influences the cost of senior care, the type of care a person needs is another major factor. In Sykesville, adult day health services are the most affordable option ($1,880). The most expensive option is nursing home care, with seniors paying an average of $9,733 per month for a semiprivate room. Homemaker services ($4,004) and home health aides ($4,242) cost about the same as assisted living ($4,250). Since seniors who choose either of these options are still responsible for their regular monthly bills, such as rent and utilities, in-home care may end up being much more expensive than assisted living.

 

Medicaid is a government program that helps low-income Americans get the health care they need. More than 1.1 million Marylanders are enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program. Clinic services, ambulance services, laboratory services and mental health treatment are just a few of the many services covered by Maryland Medicaid.

While many Sykesville seniors likely qualify for Medicare, low-income seniors may be eligible for Medicaid as well. In these cases, Medicaid helps pay for Medicare premiums, copayments and deductibles.

Seniors may qualify for Aged, Blind or Disabled Medicaid if they earn less than $350 per month and have less than $2,500 in countable assets. For couples, these limits are $392 and $3,000, respectively. Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income are automatically eligible.

If seniors meet Medicaid’s asset limits but earn too much income, they may qualify for a spend-down. These seniors spend down their income on health care until they incur enough medical expenses for Medicaid to kick in.

To apply for Medicaid, seniors can mail a paper application to the Carroll County Department of Social Services at 1232 Tech Court, Westminster, MD 21157. They may also choose to apply at this office in person. Online applications can be submitted through myDHR.

To learn more about the state’s Medicaid program, call the Maryland Department of Health at (410) 767-6500.

The Home and Community-Based Options Waiver

This waiver, which is also called the Community Options waiver, provides a number of services to help seniors stay out of nursing homes. These services include assisted living, family training, medical day care, nutritionist services and behavioral consultation. Seniors who participate in this program may also receive Medicaid services, such as personal assistance and transition services.

Medical and financial criteria determine eligibility for this waiver. Seniors must need the level of care that’s provided by nursing homes. Participants’ monthly incomes are limited to 300% of the current SSI benefit level. Since the 2019 SSI benefit level is $771 per month, seniors are limited to $2,313 in monthly income. Countable assets are limited to $2,000 or $2,500, depending on the eligibility category.

To apply or to learn more, call Medicaid’s Long-Term Care and Waiver Services at (410) 767-1739. The program has a waiting list, so apply as soon as possible.

Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy

The Senior Assisted Living Group Home subsidy is a program that may help seniors pay for the costs of care in assisted living facilities. It pays for meals, personal care, supervision and other services provided in these environments. Seniors who participate in this program live in small group homes with up to 15 other residents.

Sykesville residents may be eligible to participate if they:

• Are 62 years of age or older

• Have a medical need for assisted living services

• Have a monthly income no higher than 60% of Maryland’s median income

• Own less than $11,000 in assets ($14,000 for couples)

To apply or to get help finding an assisted living facility that participates in the program, call the Carroll County Bureau of Aging and Disabilities at (410) 386-3800.

Optional State Supplementation

Low-income seniors who receive SSI benefits may be eligible for additional monthly funding from the state of Maryland’s Optional State Supplementation program. The monthly funding varies depending on a senior’s living situation. For seniors in assisted living, the maximum monthly payment is $184. This includes a personal needs allowance of $82, which seniors can use to buy small comfort items.

To apply for this supplement, SSI recipients can visit the Carroll County Department of Social Services. To learn more, call (410) 386-3300.

Bridge Loans

Seniors may have a funding gap when they move into an assisted living facility, especially if the move needs to happen on short notice. Their planned source of long-term funding, such as a home sale or a long-term care insurance payment, may not be available yet. Bridge loans from Elderlife Financial are a temporary way to cover these funding gaps. Once seniors receive their planned source of funds, they can pay back the loan.

These loans are structured like a line of credit, which allows seniors to borrow only what they need. Amortizing loans are also available, and they may be helpful for seniors who require a larger amount up-front for move-in fees. In either case, the funds are sent directly to the assisted living facility.

Seniors can complete an online application or call (888) 228-4500. While seniors are expected to provide details about their long-term funding plans, the company allows them to have as many as six cosigners.

To learn more, call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500.

The closest AAA, located in Westminster, offers information and resources to seniors. It can provide referrals and help connect seniors to community services. The AAA also links seniors’ family members and caregivers with helpful resources. Carroll County Bureau of Aging and Disabilities 
125 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157
(410) 386-3800

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.