10 Best Independent Living Communities in Baltimore, MD

There are several methods available to finance independent living. While long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid do not directly cover independent living costs, they can still be utilized in different ways to help with expenses related to in-home care and necessary medical services.

Individuals often opt to combine multiple financial sources, such as retirement savings and Social Security benefits, to afford independent living. This section will provide insights on how private payments, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can all contribute toward funding a transition into an independent living community.

Unlike other long-term care facilities, independent living communities do not provide on-site health care, so they are not subject to the same regulatory guidelines as assisted living or skilled nursing care communities. Instead, they are required to comply with rental property laws and regulations, of which state and federal laws are in place to safeguard tenants.

Before being made available for rent, all rental units in Baltimore City must be registered, inspected, and licensed by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The DHCD provides a publicly available list of inspection requirements to ensure compliance. Direct inspection inquiries should be sent to: S8Landlord@habc.org or HCVInspections@habc.org.

Tenant protection against discrimination is enforced at both state and federal levels. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) safeguard individuals from discrimination and ensure that housing is accessible for people with disabilities. Additionally, Maryland prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities under State Government Article 20-701 — 20-710.

Some independent living communities also have minimum age requirements. Generally, individuals must be 62 years or older in Maryland to reside in an independent living community. However, some facilities may accommodate younger individuals with disabilities or spouses under the age of 62.

Independent living is sometimes combined with assisted living. If that’s the case, then it is subject to the same laws that apply to assisted living. Assisted living facilities in Maryland must abide by several regulations set by the Maryland Department of Health, including:

• On-site nursing is provided by a registered nurse.
• Sufficient staff must care for residents 24 hours a day.
• Managers must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
• Staff who help with personal care must have at least five hours of mental illness and cognitive impairment training within 90 days of employment.

Inspections of these facilities should occur every 15 months or as needed. You can find inspection reports on the Maryland Health Care Commission search portal. Just click on the name of the particular facility and then the inspection reports tab.

Maryland Department of Health contact information

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.

COVID-19 regulations for Baltimore independent living communities

At present, there are no specific city or statewide regulations pertaining to COVID-19. Instead, adhering to the latest guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommended. It is advisable to check with individual facilities, however, as they may have their own regulations. In Maryland, the current long-term care guidelines align with the recommendations outlined by the CDC.

Baltimore, the birthplace of The Star-Spangled Banner, is a dynamic and diverse city with much to offer its residents. Baltimore’s strategic location along the East Coast provides convenient access for travel enthusiasts, with easy drives or train rides to popular destinations such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Combined care options

Many individuals considering independent living also contemplate their future care needs. In Baltimore, four facilities within a 25-mile radius of the downtown area offer combined long-term care services, such as assisted living and memory care, offering a convenient option for avoiding potential stress associated with moving to a new care facility in the future and making it much easier to age in place.

Activities focused on friendship

Seniors have ample opportunities to forge new friendships through shared hobbies like golf and art or group activities such as cooking classes. Many independent living facilities provide games rooms for enthusiasts of table or card games, and they also organize day trips and group outings, allowing residents to explore and socialize with newfound friends beyond the confines of their community center.

There is also the National Aquarium at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where you and a group of friends can marvel at thousands of marine creatures before indulging in a delightful meal at one of the upscale crab shacks conveniently located nearby. For sports enthusiasts, the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens provide the perfect opportunity to catch an exciting game with a friend throughout the year.

The comforts of home and more

Experience the comfort of home in our partner independent living communities in Baltimore. These facilities offer various amenities to suit your unique preferences. Join fellow residents in the dining room for restaurant-style meals or cook in your own kitchen. Enjoy leisure time by the swimming pool, watch a film in the theater room, or stay active at the fitness center in select communities. Many of the independent living communities allow you to bring your dog or cat — because home is where your pets are.

Health care for seniors in Baltimore

Baltimore’s relatively compact layout makes it a pedestrian-friendly city for seniors who prefer walking. Though it has a walk score of 64 and a bike score of 53 (out of 100), most residents rely on cars for transportation, although efforts are being made to enhance the city’s transit infrastructure.^[07] Walk Score grades neighborhoods across the U.S. on walkability, bikeability, and ease of public transport.

For individuals who prefer not to drive, Baltimore’s Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates a comprehensive city bus service with multiple high-frequency routes, including CityLink, LocalLink, and Express BusLink services. Additionally, the MTA provides subway and light rail services in downtown Baltimore. The Charm City Circulator, a free shuttle system, operates four routes within the central business district, catering to those interested in exploring downtown Baltimore.

Baltimore’s TaxiCard program is an excellent transportation alternative for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This subsidized program offers transportation services through approved taxicab companies. Eligibility requirements must be met, and registration can be conveniently completed online.

Senior activities in Baltimore

Baltimore is a city that celebrates its diversity, which is evident in its vast array of attractions and activities. History enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice, as the city boasts an abundance of traditional museums and historical landmarks.

For a unique glimpse into Baltimore’s industrial past, the Baltimore Museum of Industry is a must-visit. It provides fascinating insights into the innovators who shaped the city’s industrial age. Whether your interest lies in garment making, airplane manufacturing, or even video game design, the museum showcases a vast collection of exhibitions complemented by live demonstrations and interactive hands-on activities.

A visit to the Maryland Center for History and Culture is highly recommended to gain a deeper understanding of Maryland’s rich culture. The center houses an impressive collection of over 200,000 items and artifacts that vividly depict the story and history of life in Maryland. It serves as a captivating resource for exploring the cultural heritage of the state. Seniors can purchase tickets to the center for a discounted rate of $18.

Baltimore offers a plethora of options for sports enthusiasts. Situated side by side, Camden Yards hosts the Baltimore Orioles baseball team, while M&T Bank Stadium is home to the NFL’s Ravens. The timing of both seasons means there is nearly always a live sports game to enjoy with friends and family.

If you want to discover more about Baltimore’s impact on the U.S., don’t miss out on some historic houses in the city. The Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum, designated as a national historic landmark, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the residence where Poe began his writing career. Open from Thursday to Sunday, the house is conveniently located near Poe’s grave, making it a worthwhile visit for enthusiasts. Another notable house to explore is the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, once the home of Mary Pickersgill, the talented seamstress who crafted the U.S. flag that inspired the iconic poem and national anthem of the United States.

Baltimore is dedicated to providing seniors ample opportunities to engage in trips, classes, and recreational programs. The Department of Recreation and Parks organizes these events regularly. Information can be found online, often with transportation included in the ticket cost. Joining one of Baltimore’s numerous senior centers is another excellent way to establish regular connections with local seniors and participate in community activities.