For low and moderate income seniors, the Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy program provides access to assisted living in small group homes which are licensed by the Department of Health for 4 through 16 residents. The Group Home subsidies are paid from State funds on behalf of eligible residents who are unable to afford the cost of assisted living and might otherwise be in nursing facilities. The subsidy supports the cost of services provided in assisted living, including meals, personal care and 24-hour supervision for elderly residents who are frail and unable to live independently. In accordance with an interagency agreement with the Department of Health, the homes are monitored by the Department of Aging through area agencies on aging around the state.
Eligibility
A resident of a participating assisted living program or an applicant for residency who requires financial assistance may apply to their area agency on aging for a subsidy. In order to be eligible for a subsidy, the individual must be:
- at least 62 years of age a resident in a facility or approved for entrance into a facility that has entered into a service agreement with the area agency on aging.
- physically or mentally impaired and in need of assistance with the activities of daily living provided by the assisted living program.
- financially eligible for a subsidy.
To be financially eligible for a subsidy, an applicant's net monthly income may not be higher than 60 percent of the State median income and assets may be no greater than $11,000 if single or $14,000 if a couple. The subsidy may cover the difference between the net monthly income of the resident after a $60/month personal allowance deduction, and the approved monthly assisted living fee.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living is a residential or facility-based program for individuals who have a physical or cognitive impairment and who need help with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). Examples of ADLs include personal care and mobility, meal preparation, and household chores. Assisted Living provides senior adults with housing and supportive services and may include health related services. This housing option enables seniors to remain in a home-like setting in their communities and promotes their independence and dignity.
Facilities may range from a small home with one resident to larger facilities with 100 or more living units. Fees vary depending on the services provided and may range between $800 to $4,000 per month. Financial assistance is available on a limited basis through the Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Program or the Medicaid Waiver Home and Community Based Services Program. The Medicaid Program may also pay for a limited number of residents of small group homes. The
Senior Information and Assistance staff at the local Area Agencies on Aging can advise consumers of the eligibility criteria and available funding.
Assisted Living facilities are regulated by the Maryland Department of Health's Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ). A list of licensed facilities, according to jurisdiction, is available on
their website. If you have regulatory concerns or complaints you can reach OHCQ toll free at 1-877-402-8218.
Additional consumer information is available from:
Find an Assisted Living Program
To locate an assisted living program in a specific area of Maryland which participates in the Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy, please contact the local
Senior Information and Assistance Program office.The maximum subsidy, paid directly to the provider, is $650/month.