Maryland is rated as one of the top five most expensive places to live in the United States. The cost of living index for Maryland housing is a whopping 169 compared to the nationwide average of 100. In addition the cost of health care in Maryland comes in at 106 and the cost of living index for utilities is 122 resulting in a total of 125. As of 2005, Maryland had approximately 640,000 senior citizens or roughly 11% of the state population. These two factors make retiring in Maryland an expensive proposition. If you can afford to live in Maryland  the state offers a fantastic lifestyle for seniors. The larger

cities like Baltimore and Annapolis offer a wide selection of assisted living facilities while the smaller towns of College Park, Cumberland, Elliott city, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Greenbelt, Hagerstown, Laurel, Ocean City, and Rockville offer less senior living options. Regardless of which part of Maryland you live, there is a good variety of high quality senior living options including assisted living facilities, Alzheimer's care centers, nursing homes and retirement communities.

Maryland Assisted Living Facilities Inspections/Complains

In Maryland, assisted living facilities are inspected by the State Health Department, Office of Health Care Quality. Inspections are conducted on an annual basis. To get a copy of an inspection report for a specific assisted living facility, write the Office of Health Care Quality at:

• Office of Health Care Quality, Spring Grove Center
• 55 Wade Ave., Bland Bryant Building,
• Catonsville, MD 21228.

There may be a small fee required. You may also write to this address to request copies of complaints filed against  specific Maryland assisted living facilities. If you wish to file a complaint, you can call 877-402-8221.

This directory includes 691assisted living options for Maryland. Use the "Advance Search" to find the nearest 40 senior services based on your desired location or select a city and then choose a tab to see different types of senior care including nursing homes, Alzheimer's care centers, CCRCs, independent living, in-home and hospice care.

Selecting A Maryland Assisted Living Facility

The mostly critical factor when selecting an assisted living facility is typically location. Since most seniors move to an assisted living facility from a hospital or nursing home after rehabilitation, most residents prefer to stay in their neighborhood or city. Use the maps to determine which facilities are nearest your home and then create a long list by placing a check mark next to each facility that you wish to evaluate. You can then start checking other key factors such as cost and amenities. It is best to visit as many Maryland assisted living facilities as possible before making your decision. Use the checklist available on the site to ask some of the more difficult questions that can have a significant impact on your long-term stay at an assisted living facility. You also want to speak to staff and residents to get information about the quality of life of the facility. Once you have narrowed your selection down to a few, use the information listed under complaints and inspections to make sure that your facility in his bolt safe and it recommended.