LETTERS

Livable Home Tax Credit will help elderly live at home

Posted 4/27/17

To the Editor: A big thank you to Rep. McNamara for sponsoring, and to Rep. Vella-Wilkinson, Rep. Solomon, Sen. McCaffrey, and Sen. Miller for cosponsoring, the RI Livable Home Tax Credit Act. The number of Rhode Island residents over 65 is expected to

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
LETTERS

Livable Home Tax Credit will help elderly live at home

Posted

To the Editor:

A big thank you to Rep. McNamara for sponsoring, and to Rep. Vella-Wilkinson, Rep. Solomon, Sen. McCaffrey, and Sen. Miller for cosponsoring, the RI Livable Home Tax Credit Act. The number of Rhode Island residents over 65 is expected to grow by 40% in the next fifteen years. With an aging population comes, unfortunately, an increase in injuries caused by falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations in Rhode Island, and most of these fall-related injuries happen to people over 65. These injuries take a personal and financial toll on elders, on their families, and on the State. Many of these injuries could be prevented by living in a home that has been made more accessible. 

The RI Livable Home Tax Credit would allow individuals who make accessibility modifications to their homes to receive a tax credit of up to $5,000. Modifications include such items as railings, accessible front entrances, wider doors, accessible bathrooms and kitchens. The tax credit would make it easier for elders or their families to pay for these modifications.

Most older Rhode Islanders want to live in their own home as long as they can. Preventing falls and other injuries by making adaptations to the home allows these individuals to remain in their own home longer. Remaining in their own homes in their communities keeps most people happier and living a higher quality of life.

Making a home more accessible for an older person has a potentially high financial benefit as well. Most elders who fall and are hospitalized never return home. Their hospitalization is most often followed by nursing home care. This care is expensive either for the individual or for Rhode Island when the State bears the cost through Medicaid.

 I urge all to support the RI Livable Home Tax Credit Act, for the sake of seniors who want to remain safely in their homes and for the families who care for their elder loved ones.

Kamila Barzykowski

Warwick

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here