Bethesda, Maryland, is located just north of the nation’s capital along the banks of the Potomac River. It’s a coastal city, with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. The city hosts many different events throughout the year, including the Taste of Bethesda, a food festival highlighting local restaurants, and a Summer Concert Series downtown. Bethesda’s downtown district is also known for ethnic restaurants and small boutiques, and the free Bethesda Circulator makes getting around the area easy. Residents of Bethesda many also choose to visit nearby Washington, D.C., exploring the capital city’s national monuments and the Smithsonian Museum, as well as taking advantage of the city’s vast shopping and dining opportunities. Crime rates are lower than the national average, which may help make seniors here feel more secure.
Assisted living facilities are for seniors who would like to retain their independence, but require some assistance with tasks of everyday life. These communities offer maintenance-free living, recreational activities and as-needed support with bathing, grooming, etc. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, residents of Bethesda, MD can expect to pay around $5,948 per month for assisted living. This is well above the state average for Maryland and almost $1,500 more than the national average.
This guide compares costs in the area and offers resources to aid seniors in their care facility search.
What is the percentage of seniors 65 years old and over needing long term care service over time?
At least 70% of people over the age of 65 will require some form of long term care services and support during their lives. 2015 Medicare and You – National Medicare HandbookHundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Maryland. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors in Bethesda pay $5,948 per month for assisted living.
Bethesda seniors can expect to pay about $5,948 for assisted living services. This is $1,000 more than Maryland’s state average of $4,000 and almost $1,500 more than the national average of $4,500.
In Bethesda, care costs are the highest recorded in Maryland. Seniors in the surrounding cities of Baltimore and Hagerstown enjoy the lowest care costs in the state at $4,750 and $4,630, respectively. To the west, Cumberland sports an average of $5,248, and prices in the eastern city of Salisbury are notably lower, with an average of $4,980 — $968 less than assisted living in Bethesda.
Note: Data for Bethesda was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Washington, DC, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Maryland.
Contact | Description | |
Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (410) 396-3144 | The Ombudsman Program advocates for individuals living in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Its representatives investigate complaints filed by residents or by families on behalf of residents, including those regarding cases of elder neglect or abuse. They seek to improve the quality of life for long-term care residents, working with the state and local governments to bring about changes. |
Maryland Department of Aging | (410)-767-1100 | The Maryland Department on Aging’s mission is to establish Maryland as an attractive destination for older adults, working with communities to develop programs to protect the interests of seniors and create vibrant communities that allow seniors to age in place and retain their independence. |
Montgomery County Department of Veterans Affairs | (301) 652-0717 | Military veterans may receive assistance securing government pensions and health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The organization also offers counseling services for veterans, and it helps surviving spouses secure death benefits. |
Maryland Legal Aid | (866) 635-2948 | Maryland Legal Aid’s Senior Legal Helpline offers counseling and advice to the elderly. It helps low-income individuals locate pro bono representation in civil matters (although not in criminal cases). Other services include preparing legal documents and helping seniors file for divorce or bankruptcy. |
Montgomery County Department of Recreation | The county Department of Recreation operates seven senior citizens centers that offer a wide variety of activities for residents 55 and older. These include weekday lunch programs, drop-in programs, lectures, and seminars, fitness classes and hobby group meetings. | |
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | (202) 637-7000 | The METRO, which services the greater Washington, D.C. area, is a light rail and fixed-route bus system. Seniors may apply for reduced fare passes. The METRO also has handicapped and paratransit services available to those who qualify. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Bethesda area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.