Expansive parks, beautiful trees, fun local events and a diverse population of nearly 21,000 residents, including more than 2,000 seniors aged 65 or older, await retirees in Hyattsville. This growing community boasts plenty of small-town charm and access to big-city amenities. It’s less than 7 miles to the nation’s capital, just over Maryland’s border.
As part of the Washington, D.C., area, Hyattsville seniors who still get out find several senior-friendly transit options. Hyattsville was the first Maryland city to join the AARP Age-Friendly Communities Network, where it ranks in the top half of all communities participating in the program. Through this program, Hyattsville strives to address factors that boost the health and well-being of residents of all ages, especially seniors.
Other perks of living in Hyattsville are access to home care services and various tax benefits. Maryland doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and adults aged 65 or older may qualify for exclusions on 401(k) and pension distributions based on their income. Maryland’s median property tax rate is comparable to the national average. Plus, sales taxes are on the low end, and no local sales taxes are added to the state rate by Prince George’s County or Hyattsville.
Seniors have access to two types of in-home care. Non-medical home care assists with activities of daily living, while home health care includes supportive care with limited medical services. Aging adults needing assistance to remain in their homes may benefit from either. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Hyattsville’s average home care and home health care costs are identical at $5,339 per month.
Genworth figured the average monthly home care costs based on 44 hours of care per week. Thus, your total cost may be higher or lower depending on your required number of care hours. To help you determine your average price, multiply Hyattsville’s hourly rate of $28 by the total number of hours you believe you’ll need.
Hyattsville has a higher average cost of home care and home health care compared to the state and national averages and many other Maryland cities. Cumberland and Baltimore have the same home care average of $4,957, nearly $400 less per month than Hyattsville’s cost. However, Baltimore’s home health care cost jumps to $5,053, less than $300 more than Hyattsville’s, while Cumberland’s home health cost drops to $4,862. Hagerstown’s home care and home health care costs mirror the state average of $5,148, about $200 less than Hyattsville’s.
At $5,339 per month, home care and home health care in Hyattsville are lower in cost than other senior living options except for adult day care. While adult day care is less than half the cost at $2,282, it only offers limited support during normal business hours. Assisted living requires moving to congregate housing, and the average monthly price jumps to $5,948. Nursing home care is more than double the cost of home care at an average of $11,467 monthly in Hyattsville.
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Hyattsville, MD.
What You Should Know
Prince George’s County’s ADSD acts as the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center throughout the county, including in Hyattsville. The ADRC supports various services and programs for older or disabled adults and their caregivers. It offers information and assistance on available services for those wanting to remain in their homes and communities. The ADSD also has a Family Caregiver Program to assist caregivers in providing care to seniors aged 60 or older. This program helps caregivers identify benefits, make decisions and solve problems for aging adults who can no longer care for themselves independently. Assistance includes services and benefits for both seniors and their caregivers.
Who Is Eligible?
ADRC programs are for seniors aged 65 or older or disabled individuals living in Prince George’s County wanting to avoid nursing home placement.
How to Get Started
Get started by contacting Prince George’s County’s ADSD at (301) 265-8450.
What You Should Know
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development operates the Accessible Homes for Seniors program. This program provides home improvements to make spaces safer and more accessible to aging adults. Modifications may include installing ramps and railings, widening doorways to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs and installing grab bars in bathrooms. The department may consider home additions to accommodate adding ground-floor bathrooms or laundry rooms on a case-by-case basis. Approved candidates may receive 0% interest deferred loans with 30-year terms or grants.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must be aged 55 or older and a Maryland resident. You usually must own and occupy the home undergoing renovations. However, the department may also consider seniors who live with relatives for the program. The home must be structurally sound, free of health and safety hazards and free of tax liens and bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings. You must also meet income requirements.
How to Get Started
Complete an Accessible Homes for Seniors Rehabilitation Application to start the process. You may get an application online or at the County Housing Office or Maryland Access Point Agencies (MAP). If you need help filling out the application, you can receive help at MAP agencies or may have an in-home appointment. For questions, call the Special Loan Programs at (301) 429-7409 or email [email protected].
What You Should Know
Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland’s Home Weatherization Program (HFHMM) receives funding through Maryland Energy Administration grants. The program improves the energy efficiency, overall indoor air quality and comfort of your home at no cost to the homeowner. HFHMM may address duct sealing, insulation, air sealing, HVAC system repairs and/or upgrades and appliance replacement in eligible homes. It considers additional services not listed on a case-by-case basis. The program prioritizes households with seniors aged 65 or older, disabled persons and/or veterans.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must be a Prince George’s County homeowner. The home must be your primary residence. You must have lived in the home for at least one year and plan on living in the home for at least two more years. All homeowners must have a current homeowner’s insurance policy and meet established requirements.
How to Get Started
Start by submitting an inquiry online. If you have questions, call (301) 990-0014 extension 19 or email [email protected].
What You Should Know
The City of Hyattsville Call-a-Bus program provides rides to seniors and disabled individuals. You may use the curb-to-curb service for medical appointments and trips to pharmacies and grocery stores within a 6-mile radius of Hyattsville. Registration is free, and there’s no cost to ride. Prince George’s County also offers Call-a-Bus services for those needing to travel to other areas within the county outside Hyattsville’s service area.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors aged 60 or older, disabled individuals and Medicare cardholders ride free. Their escorts/caregivers also ride free.
How to Get Started
You must make a reservation at least 24 hours but no more than seven days in advance. To schedule transportation, call (301) 985-5000 for services in Hyattsville or call (301) 499-8603 for countywide services.
What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels College Park (MOWCP) also serves seniors or disabled individuals in Hyattsville. MOWCP delivers lunch, dinner and breakfast for the following morning for $5 per day, up to five days per week. However, Hyattsville residents who meet income requirements may qualify for free home-delivered meals. MOWCP helps seniors remain living in their homes by providing nutritious meals, a quick safety check and a friendly visit.
Who Is Eligible?
Adults aged 60 or older and disabled individuals who struggle to shop for and prepare meals due to physical limitations or financial difficulties may qualify. Participants must be Hyattsville residents. You must meet income requirements for free services.
How to Get Started
MOWCP is currently placing new recipients on a waiting list and gets people into the program as soon as space becomes available. Fill out the online application to be put on the list, or call (301) 927-2700 for further assistance