14 Assisted Living Communities in Cecil County, Maryland

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,250 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 14 Assisted Living Communities in Cecil County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Cecil County, MD

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

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care survey, the cost of assisted living in Cecil County ($4,250) is a little higher than the national average ($4,000) but several hundred dollars per month lower than the statewide average of $4,673.

Of the areas surveyed, Cecil County is among the most cost-effective for assisted living, with only Cumberland coming in less expensive at an average of $3,650 per month. California, Hagerstown and Salisbury all have higher rates for assisted living, with respective averages of $5,900, $5,045 and $5,315. Nearby cities across state lines also tend to have higher assisted living costs, including Philadelphia, PA, at $5,318 and Dover, DE, at $5,418 per month.  

Note: The cost of senior care in Cecil County wasn’t available, so data for the closest city, Baltimore, was used.    

In addition to assisted living, seniors have several types of care options in Cecil County, including home care, adult day health services and nursing home care. Assisted living and nursing home care generally include accommodations, meals and recreational activities in the monthly price. Home care and adult day health services, on the other hand, only include the cost of care. While these types of care have lower monthly rates, they may end up being more costly for seniors who have to cover household expenses in addition to their care costs.  In Cecil County, seniors pay an average of $4,250 per month for assisted living. This is comparable to the rates for home care, with homemaker services costing an average of $4,004 and home health aides costing $4,242 per month. Adult day health services are considerably less at an average of $1,880. Nursing home care is the most expensive option at an average monthly cost of $9,733.   

Maryland Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance coverage to eligible seniors residing in Cecil County. This program is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and covers medical expenses, such as doctor’s office visits, hospital stays and laboratory services.   

To qualify for Medicaid, applicants must be at least 65 years old and permanently reside in Maryland. Seniors applying alone may have a monthly income of no more than $350 and no more than $2,500 in countable assets. Married applicants may have an income of up to $392 per month and up to $3,000 in countable assets. Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income, which allows single applicants up to $771 and married couples up to $1,157 in monthly income, are automatically eligible for Maryland Medicaid.   

Seniors may have some care services covered by the state’s Long Term Services and Supports program, which is part of regular Medicaid and has the same eligibility criteria. It covers home and community-based services, including personal assistance, nursing, monitoring, medical supplies and equipment.  

Seniors can apply for Maryland Medicaid online through MDThink. Alternately, a completed application may be mailed to or submitted in person at the local Department of Social Services office, which can be contacted at (410) 996-0100.     

Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy

Low- and moderate-income seniors who reside in Cecil County may be eligible to receive financial assistance through the Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy program. Subsidies are provided to eligible seniors who are unable to afford the cost of assisted living and cover a variety of services, including personal care, 24-hour supervision and meals. To qualify, applicants must be at least 62 years of age and in need of assisted living services. They must also have a monthly income of no more than 60% of the state median and no more than $11,000 in assets ($14,000 for couples).

To apply, seniors can contact the Cecil County Department of Aging and Disability Services at (410) 996-5295. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors who need short-term funding to cover the transition to an assisted living facility or pay for services until long-term funding is available may be eligible for a bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services. The loan is available as a lump sum or line of credit, and funds may be sent directly to the borrower’s care facility. Approval is based on an applicant’s credit history and ability to make monthly payments.

Seniors can apply for a bridge loan online or by calling Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500. 

Optional State Supplementation

Cecil County seniors who reside in a care home or assisted living facility and are eligible for SSI benefits may also qualify for an additional cash benefit through the Optional State Supplementation program. This money is added to the federal benefit payment and ranges between $52 and $666 per month, depending on the participant’s living arrangements.

To apply for benefits, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. 

The Cecil County Department of Community Services Aging and Disability Services Division is the local Area Agency on Aging and provides transportation, ombudsman and referral services for older residents. The agency also helps seniors obtain financial assistance for medications, mobility aids and medical supplies.  Cecil County Aging and Disability Services
200 Chesapeake Blvd., Ste. 2550, Elkton, MD 21921
(410) 996-5295

Cecil County offers a variety of resources to eligible seniors who served in the military. The local medical center, located in Perry Point, provides inpatient, outpatient and primary care services, as well as long-term and respite care. In Elkton, veterans may attend individual and group counseling, obtain medical referrals and receive assistance in applying for VA benefits at the vet center. Elkton is also home to an American Legion chapter, which provides personal assistance, volunteerism and advocacy for veterans, military personnel and their families.

Perry Point VA Medical Center
515 Broad St., Bldg. 361, Perry Point, MD 21902
(410) 642-2411 

Elkton Vet Center
103 Chesapeake Blvd., Ste. A, Elkton, MD 21921
(410) 392-4485

American Legion Post 15
129 W. Main St., Elkton, MD 21921
(410) 398-9720

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