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New Bill Could Help Seniors Remain at Home Safely

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A new bill could help seniors remain at home safely by providing tax credits to enhance access in the home. This bill could maintain autonomy for those over 60 with mobility issues.

One of the barriers facing seniors that choose to stay in their own homes is accessibility, particularly pertinent when those living there suffer a physical disability or mobility issue. Getting around the home safely, using the bathroom, and accessing the outside can become challenging, if not impossible. An exciting new bill has been introduced which equates to a tax credit for senior citizens to modify their residences and implement mobility solutions to increase access. This has the long-term potential of enhancing their ability to remain living safely, independently, and comfortably in these residences.

The Senior Accessible Housing Act

The Senior Accessible Housing Act was introduced to the House of Representatives in March 2017 by Florida Democratic Representative Charlie Crist, and proposes up to $30,000 tax credit to support seniors, over the age of 60, that may be struggling to remain in their own homes. This tax credit is given for these older homeowners to make needed modifications that increase accessibility, safety, and autonomy. This credit extends to any modifications made up to $30,000 that the senior may incur over the course of their lifetime.

Some things that would be covered by this non-refundable, personal tax credit include:

Entrance and exit ramps

Thresholds may seem easy-enough to navigate, but anything over a half-inch could prove to be a barrier to anyone using a wheelchair or scooter. Installing entrance and exit ramps to create a smooth transition from one room or area of the home to another could significantly impact access for those using mobility aids.

Wider doorways

Another important prospect that would be covered under this bill is the widening of doorways to the home. It is estimated that a standard wheelchair requires a door width of around 32”, while most doorways are only around 27”-wide. It is further recommended that businesses and public places provide handicap access of 36” and wider for their doorways. Widening the doorways around the home prevents accident, incident, and even injury as chairs or scooters could become stuck.

Handrails and grab bars

Around one-quarter of American seniors (over age 65) fall or take a nasty-spill each year, according to the National Council on Aging. In fact, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries sustained by the older population. The installation of handrails or grab bars can significantly decrease this number and perhaps preserve autonomy and health for seniors living in their own home.

Non-slip flooring surfaces

Take a closer look at the floor: what kind of flooring does your home have? The installation of non-slip flooring is another feature that can impact accessibility and that is covered under the proposed bill. It has been established that the risk of a fall is a major hazard to seniors, so creating safer surfaces is money well-spent.

Additional accessibility actions

While this bill has only been proposed, it holds exciting potential for other modifications that could make the home safer and more accessible. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will compile the list of modifications that can enhance the ability of the individuals to remain living safely, independently, and comfortably in their residences, including predetermined mobility aids. Make sure to consult with the IRS list and guidelines before planning on making refurbishments and upgrades, as there could be caveats that command professional installation to be credited under this new legislation.

Some of these predetermined accessibility features that could be covered under this proposed bill include:

  • Stair-lifts. Stair-lifts have come a long way over the years; homes are being seen with lifts both inside and outside, providing fuller-access to all your property. Contemporary stair-lifts are cohesive with your décor and are not as bulky as past models.
  • Shower and ceiling lifts. Getting in and out of the shower is a true challenge for some with physical disabilities; shower and ceiling lifts make this transport much safer for both the individual and their caregiver.
  • Porch-lifts. Porch-lifts look like mechanical pads that enable a chair, scooter, or walker to raise and lower without effort. This can open-up outdoor areas like the porch, patio, or pool to someone with mobility issues.
  • Electronic door openers. Electronic door openers prevent the struggle and hazard of attempting to open entryways while in a chair, riding a scooter, or using a walker. Some utilize motion-sensors while others may offer voice commands.

This new bill could help seniors remain at home safely

This bill has exciting prospects that extend to each and every citizen, widely. Call, write and reach out to your local legislators and representatives to let them know that this tax credit for accessibility and mobility aids is worth endorsing to preserve the autonomy of the aged population. Encourage your representatives to make your voice heard, and to support the passage of this bill, the Senior Accessible Housing Act. Fostering the independence and autonomy of seniors is critical, and can contribute to overall quality of life for the aging population- which impacts us all in one way or another.

Talk to the experts at Pacific Mobility to find the mobility solutions that make your home more accessible- and that preserve your freedom and independence. From stair-lifts to shower-buddies, your home can become more convenient, safe, and comfortable for anyone living with mobility issues or physical impairment. Work with the professionals for information, installation, and insights that can make your home a more accessible place to live.

The Five Things That Make the Most Impact for Accessibility

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Pacific Mobility offers suggestions for five things that make the most impact for accessibility: technology, versatility, quality, availability, and societal stigma.

When you think of accessibility, you likely think about things like ramps and stair-lifts. While this is, in fact, how many with mobility issues live each day, there are some other factors that make a significant impact on a more accessible world. New mobility devices are emerging daily; these advancements are helping individuals with physical impairments maintain their autonomy and improve the quality of their lives.

The five things that make the most impact for accessibility are: 

  • Accessibility technology

It comes as no surprise that technology plays a big role in the advancement of accessibility devices. In fact, technology is being used to assist a wide-range of consumers in a variety of ways, from driving a car to talking on the telephone. When it comes to adaptive devices, like stair-lifts, modern technology and advancement have come together to create lifts that are discreet and that meld with their environment. These devices provide a smoother ride, more control, and greater options for users- without needing major home renovations to facilitate installation.

  • Feasibility and functionality

Feasibility and functionality have also had a dramatic impact on accessibility, overall. What was once not feasible for installation of a lift or adaptive device, is now possible; functions that consumers need were not always available, but greater functions are being innovated every day. Whether you are looking for a very basic lift to ascend steps in your home or you have distinct needs that merit assistive robots, it is now more possible to get what you need for greater access and autonomy.

  • Product quality

The key when buying mobility devices is quality; you want to install something that will have some resilience and longevity. The emergence of high-end equipment has made an impact on accessibility as these devices involve less maintenance and repairs than the equipment of yesteryear. Don’t make life more complicated by buying shoddy products from unreliable vendors; talk with someone at Pacific Mobility today to hear more about their high-quality products, designed with the consumer in mind.

  • Resource availability

Recent years have seen a rise in the availability of adaptive devices and mobility aids, particularly as the number of individuals living with physical disability increases. Did you know that nearly 60-million people in the US have a physical disability? While this takes a toll on individual relationships and finances, it also has shown a spotlight on the need for expanded health care resources in this country. This lack of availability and resources has historically been a significant barrier to access to health care for many in the US. Fortunately, independent vendors have picked up the slack- and lowered the prices of equipment that once was only available through a hospital, provider, or medical clinic. This does mandate that consumers take care to only purchase their mobility devices and aids from cooperative and collaborative sellers that pay attention to needs, and that promise service after the sale. Also, though you may be tempted, don’t ever buy second-hand medical equipment at thrift stores or yard sales; these devices could be faulty, even dangerous, and could cause more harm than good.

  • Ongoing stigma

Sadly, discrimination and stigma still prevent many from fully-accessing the resources that are available to help them. Seniors, over the age of 65, may face the most challenges, between age-related, co-occurring medical conditions and living in under-served communities or municipalities. Individuals with physical limitations continue to fight stereotypes and stigma in the workplace, schools, and even at home, as many are being pushed from independent living situations into more restrictive levels of care.

The upside to this ongoing stigma is the legislation that has been put in place to prevent discrimination against individuals based on a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 subjects those that discriminate to prosecution- and this includes failing to maintain accessibility for anyone with a documented disability. This legislation has opened doors and provided opportunities for individuals with mobility issues that were often overlooked and ignored prior to 1990.

Pacific Mobility has the solutions to increase access and improve lives

Pacific Mobility is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving consumers, caregivers, and providers for over 60 years, and they have become a resource to find the right mobility aids to fit your needs, lifestyle, and home. Wondering what you need? From stair-lifts to door-openers, Pacific Mobility provides professional service, thorough assessment, and customer support, so you are not alone.

Don’t live another day without the mobility aids that can increase independence and improve daily life. While technology, functionality, quality, availability, and overcoming stigma have made an indelible impact on accessibility, you must advocate for what you need. Physical limitations don’t need to control your life; preserve your independence and accessibility with solutions from Pacific Mobility.

Accessibility Lifts Aren’t Just About Stairs

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Accessibility lifts aren’t just about stairs, but about access and autonomy for those with mobility issues. Pacific Mobility aims to increase access and improve daily life.

When consumers think of increasing access for those with mobility issues, they may only think of stair-lifts; there are many different types of accessibility lifts that can improve quality of life while also providing a measure of safety for both consumers and caregivers. Both inside and out, Pacific Mobility offers high-quality, contemporary mobility devices and lifts that change lives and preserve independence.

Accessibility lifts aren’t just about stairs:

Lifts can make any area of the home or landscaping accessible to chairs, scooters, and walkers from the garden and pool, to the bath and car. Furthermore, lifts provide a safe, stable transport from one point to another, without the potential injury and strain that individuals and their caregivers may experience when not using a lift. Think of the increase in access provided by mobility devices as an investment in autonomy- and no price can be put on that!

Stair-lifts

While accessibility extends to far more than stairs and steps, it merits mention how stair-lifts enhance access and improve life for many living with mobility issues. From being able to access upper or lower-levels of the home to traversing a backyard garden or patio, stair-lifts provide a convenient way for consumers to avoid debilitating falls and subsequent injuries when enjoying the many areas of their home. Choose from a range of seats, features, and remote-options to find the stair-lift that is best-suited to your space, dwelling, or living situation. Worried about installation? Don’t be; professional assistance is available and these lifts are designed to be cohesive parts of your home’s design, which won’t detract from overall curb appeal.

Ceiling-lifts

Caregivers have a lot of responsibility, and the last thing you want to occur is an injury related to a lift or transport. Ceiling-lifts make the process of ADLs (activities of daily living) far easier, eliminating the risk of injury to both consumers and their caregivers exponentially. Getting out of bed, chairs, or for medical evaluations, ceiling-lifts gently raise the consumer or patient. Depending on your physical limitations, these may be used in the bedroom, bath, or living area, and can be used in conjunction with other accessibility products and devices.

Porch-lifts

To enjoy outdoor spaces, porch-lifts are a prudent solution. These lifts are basically vertical platform lifts that accommodate wheelchairs in and out of the home. These mobility devices garner their name from being used to raise chairs relatively short heights to access porches, decks, and patios around the home or property. These can be easily operated by the user, and expand access for those in chairs to include exterior areas that may have previously been impossible to traverse and visit. These devices typically take-up less space than an accessibility ramp and could be compared to an outdoor elevator, of sorts. When installing these features, know that there will also need to be a clear path to the cement pad that is home for the lift, which may require additional construction and costs.

Vehicle-lifts

There is a certain type of freedom that comes from driving, and if you have mobility issues, this could be something that you often miss. Hence, vehicle-lifts can put you back in the driver’s seat, whether you use a chair, scooter, or walker, and make getting in and out of your car or truck a breeze!

These are also adaptable for transporting others with mobility issues easily. Talk with mobility experts to find the best option for your specific make, model, and vehicle.

Shower and pool-lifts

It is estimated that over 235,000 people fall and are injured in bathrooms each year, and one-third of these instances occur when showering. Water brings the inherent risk of creating a slippery-surface that can become quite dangerous for anyone who is prone to falls, has physical limitations, or mobility issues. When you consider that every 11-seconds, some senior slips, falls, and is treated by medical professionals in the US, it seems integral to do everything possible to prevent fall-risks around the home, including the bathroom.

Pool-lifts make it for viable for consumers to enjoy aquatic-therapy and swim routinely, which can enhance daily living while also providing numerous therapeutic health benefits. Pool-lifts are the safest, most-supportive way to transport in and out of a pool, circumventing a typically-tricky and potentially-dangerous situation. Furthermore, who doesn’t enjoy a nice dip in the pool?

Pacific Mobility Solutions can help

It is estimated that one-in-five people live with a disability in the US, with many facing the challenges of physical disabilities and mobility issues. This significant statistic demonstrates how accessibility lifts can be an integral part of everyday life and prudent investment for overall well-being and autonomy. Create a convenient, comfortable home for anyone living with mobility issues and talk with Pacific Mobility to assess needs and find the perfect solutions for your distinct situation.  Enjoy the ease, access, and independence that the right mobility aids can provide in your home or property!