28 Assisted Living Communities in Harford 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 28 Assisted Living Communities in Harford County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Harford County, MD

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

As shown in Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, seniors in Harford County pay significantly less than the state’s $4,673 monthly average cost for assisted living. The county’s $4,250 average monthly rate is over the $4,000 national average but much less expensive than costs in other Maryland areas, including Salisbury ($5,315), California ($5,900) and Hagerstown ($5,045). Harford County’s assisted living costs are most comparable to those in the Pennsylvania areas of York ($4,145) and Lancaster ($4,350). Within Maryland, the least expensive region for assisted living is Cumberland, where the average monthly cost is $3,650.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Harford County, so data for the closest area, Baltimore, was used.

At $4,250 per month, the average cost of assisted living in Harford County is comparable at first glance to the price of home health care services. While the upfront costs of homemaker services ($4,242) and home health aides ($4,004) include care that helps many seniors live in their homes, these prices don’t include ongoing living expenses such as rent, meals, utilities and home maintenance. Adult day health services are a cheaper option at $1,880 per month, but care is only available during daytime hours at a center outside the senior’s home. As the most expensive type of senior care, skilled nursing services ($9,733) are available around the clock to those living in a nursing facility.

Low-income seniors, children, families and people with disabilities across Maryland may be able to receive free or low-cost health care services through the state’s Medicaid program.

Primary Maryland Medicaid benefits include:

• Emergency services
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
• Doctor visits
• Hospice care
• Medical equipment
• Physical therapy
• Laboratory services
• Transportation services
• Mental health treatment

For seniors at least 65 years old, Long-Term Services and Supports waivers, which are programs within Medicaid that cover home and community-based services such as assisted living and personal care, may also be available.

Community Options Waiver

Seniors requiring a nursing home level of care but who wish to reside in an assisted living setting may be eligible to participate in the Community Options waiver. 

To qualify for the Community Options waiver, seniors should:

• Need a caregiver’s assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, eating and bathing
• Meet the $2,000 countable assets limit, with assets excluding the senior’s home, vehicle and personal items (non-applicant spouses have an asset limit of $126,420)
• Earn a maximum monthly income of 300% of the federal Supplemental Security Income level (limit of $2,313 monthly income)

Benefits of the Community Options waiver include:

• Assisted living services
• Case management and supports planning
• Personal assistance and home-delivered meals
• Transition services
• Laboratory services
• Prescription drugs
• Medical equipment
• Mental health services
• Doctor and hospital visits

Increased Community Services

The Increased Community Services program may be an alternative option for Harford County residents wishing to reside in an assisted living home but who are ineligible for the Community Options waiver due to income and asset requirements. 

ICS participants enjoy the following benefits:

• Doctor and hospital visits
• Dietitian and nutrition services
• Supports planning
• Transition assistance
• Pharmacy services
• Laboratory services
• Home health, day care and assisted living services

To be eligible for the ICS, Harford County seniors must meet the following financial requirements:

• Agree to pay income earned over $2,313 per month toward assisted living care
• Have assets totaling no more than $2,000, not including their residence, primary vehicle and personal belongings

Additionally, interested seniors should:

• Require a nursing home level of care costing no more in an assisted living facility than it would if received in a skilled nursing home
• Have been eligible for Medicaid for at least 30 days while living in a nursing facility and have lived in the facility for a minimum of three months

Harford County seniors can apply for Maryland Medicaid in person at the Harford County Department of Social Services in Bel Air at 2 S. Bond St., Suite 300, or online. 

Medicaid services are automatically available to disabled seniors aged 65 and older who are already enrolled in Medicaid and receive SSI.

Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy

Seniors who meet the following criteria may qualify to receive up to $650 for assisted living care through the Senior Assisted Living Group Home subsidy program:

• Be at least 62 years old

• Require a caregiver’s assistance for eating, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living

• Obtain approval to live in an assisted living facility partnered with SALGHS

• Have total assets and income of $11,000 (individual) or $14,000 (married couple)

Harford County seniors should contact their local Maryland Access Point at (410) 638-3025 to learn about their local SALGHS-approved assisted living options.

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Harford County seniors looking for a short-term plan for paying for assisted living may be eligible to receive financial assistance through an Elderlife Financial bridge loan. These low-interest loans give approved seniors of any age financial help while they wait for their longer-term plan for care to begin. The application process is free and quick, with funds available upon approval in as little as 24 hours.

To determine whether an individual qualifies, Elderlife uses the combined credit scores of all co-applicants on the loan as well as the senior’s income and asset information. The individual’s plan to pay for long-term care is also considered. 

To apply for a loan, Harford County residents can complete the online application or call (888) 228-4500.

The Harford County Office on Aging provides information to area seniors and their caregivers regarding Medicaid and Medicare programs, housing programs and transportation services. A long-term care ombudsman program is also available for those living in assisted living or nursing homes. Harford County Office on Aging
145 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, MD 21014
(410) 638-3025

Harford County veterans and their dependents have access to financial, health and career services provided through the American Legion and Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, each office has qualified staff or volunteers available to help with benefits filings and claims tracking.

American Legion
500 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, MD 21014
(410) 838-2603

Department of Veterans Affairs
2 S. Bond St., Bel Air, MD 21014
(410) 836-4900

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