Maryland memory care facilities and Alzheimer's care options

Maryland Dementia Care

Alzheimer’s care units in Maryland, which can also go by the terms memory care, dementia care, or special care units, are facilities that are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with forms of dementia. They include specially trained staff to adequately monitor residents to prevent wandering and ensure safety.

Top City Cost* Comparisons within Maryland

Location	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum
Baltimore	$1,400	$7,383
Bowie	$1,896	$5,600
Silver Spring	$1,800	$7,100

*Average monthly cost for single occupancy room in a memory care facility

Recreation and Attractions in Maryland

Sports are some of the largest attractions in the state of Maryland with the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Capitals, and the Washington Redskins residing there. In addition, beaches, historic sites, museums, and parks, such as Ocean City, Antietam National Battlefield, Assateague Island National Seashore, and Swallow Falls State Park are all popular entertainment opportunities.

Maryland's Climate, Geography, and Culture

The ocean and bays that surround Maryland influence the climate with reduced temperature extremes and more rain in the coastal regions. As a whole, the state is temperate and supports four seasons with warm, semi-humid summers and cold winters. The average high temperature during the summer is 87 degrees and the average low during the winter is 25 degrees. Thunderstorms are common during the summer, so the peak in precipitation occurs during July and August with a total of 43 inches of rain annual. Snowfall varies significantly throughout the state with the coastal regions getting around 10 inches a year, while the mountainous regions can get over 100 inches.

The culture in Maryland has two very specific attributes: sports and blue crabs. There are multiple professional sports team in the state including the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Capitals. Because of the number and diversity of the teams, a lot of people are diehard fans of at least one of the teams. Blue crabs and their specific preparation method are another things that MD is known for. The crabs are often steamed and seasoned with Old Bay, which was developed in Maryland.

Maryland's Memory Care Regulations and Laws

In MD, it is required for Alzheimer’s special care units to have a written description of the program during licensing. Information about the facility must be presented to those that are responsible for the Alzheimer’s patient before being admitted to the facility. During the first 90 days of employment, staff must undergo at least five hours of cognitive impairment and mental illness training with an additional two hours every year. The specifics of the training should be how to best meet the needs of the residents of the memory care facility.

Crime and Safety in Maryland

Maryland is ranked 16^th in overall safety according to 2016’s the Safest States to Live In.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Taneytown	1.04	13.18
Thurmont	.78	12.74
Berlin	1.1	20.65

Payment Options for Alzheimer's Care in Maryland

Medicare, private long-term insurance, and out of pocket payment are the typical methods to pay for dementia care in Maryland. A Medicaid home and community-based waiver and a state-funded program are available to cover assisted living services. There are specific requirements for the patient and the facility.

Senior and Elderly Rights for Memory Care in Maryland

Patients have the right in MD to be informed, in a manner they understand, their health status and be involved with decisions related to their care. They may also refuse treatment and be educated on the consequences of that decision. The patient’s privacy should be respected to the highest extent possible. Someone may be designated by the patient of an Alzheimer’s care facility to be involved and informed and make health care decisions for them if they do not have the capacity to do so themselves.

Maryland Memory Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

In Maryland, access to medical records must be requested in writing and should be provided within a reasonable amount of time. The request authorizes the release of the records for one year.