Our homes are so important to us. It’s not just where we sleep and eat most of our meals, it’s our place to be indepedent. And, since the pandemic, it’s increasingly an office, a gym, a child care center, and, of course, if you need health care, your home is a great place to receive it.
That is why NAHC is thrilled to announce that on Friday, May 6, U.S Representatives Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) and Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the Home Modification for Accessibility Act (H.R. 7676), legislation that provides tax incentives for home modifications so seniors and those with disabilities can more easily and safely continue living in their own homes.
The Home Modification for Accessibility Act empowers Americans to make decisions about where and how they live by offsetting the costs associated with making home modifications through a penalty free early retirement withdrawal and lifetime tax deduction of up to $30,000. This will reduce injuries and subsequent medical costs associated with falls, as well as drive development and investment in the market and create new job opportunities for skilled laborers and contractors.
“This bill is a step in the right direction towards enabling more seniors to age in place while ensuring they are positioned for many more years of comfortably living in their own homes,” said NAHC President William A. Dombi. “This legislation has the full support of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice.”
Not only is living at home the preferred option for 90 percent of aging Americans, it is also vastly more affordable for people and the country. Having to live in a nursing home where room costs can average anywhere from $6,000 to $8,000 a month.
“Given the option, the vast majority of seniors and people with disabilities want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. It’s more comfortable, less costly, and improves quality of life,” said Rep. Crist. “Unfortunately, many homes lack accessibility upgrades to make this a reality for seniors on fixed incomes and people with disabilities. That’s why I introduced the Home Modification for Accessibility Act – to provide tax incentives so that more Floridians have the option to live and age safely in their own home. It’s the right thing to do!”
“We have a storm coming, with the number of disabled elders expected to double in the coming years. Fewer family caregivers are available for these aging Americans and the market for long-term care insurance is not currently sufficient to address these demographic challenges,” said Rep. Suozzi. “We must do all we can to ensure New Yorkers have the option to live and age safely in the comfort of their own home.”
“This bill will help correct a fundamental injustice in American life. While we’re living longer and healthcare is increasingly conducted at home, the country’s housing stock is not meeting our daily and safety needs,” said Louis Tenenbaum, founder and president, HomesRenewed Coalition. “Incentives outlined in this bill will encourage people to demand building and renovation designs that support aging in place with joy, dignity and independence,” added Tenenbaum. “Over time, these features will become the norm, benefiting individuals, families, the healthcare system and our economy.”
Please join NAHC in supporting this legislation, which will enable aging and disabled Americans to continue to live in their own homes.
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