(I) HOUSING Group: Carla Stewart (Chair), Connie Wilson (Rapporteur), Barbara Wagner, Tanya Carter and Winston Stall
Major housing concerns were as follows: - There is a lack of affordable housing for seniors. - The need for better living conditions (neighborhood and home environments) - The need for reduced or eliminated taxes for seniors once they reach a certain age so that they can keep their homes. - Most seniors agreed that they would like to live in their homes as long as possible. Some Medicare Advantage plans help them to stay in their homes, but sometimes those plans are not enough. Other problems that many older people face regarding housing are: - Live on fixed incomes once they retire, and often cannot afford increased taxes with the possibility of losing their homes - There is an expectation and possibility of having to depend on nursing home care, and that it might not be affordable for seniors (even those with assets) or that it will not be made available for them. - Many seniors are on the street without housing but there are a lack of statistics The three top issues to address are: 1. To build more communities with affordable housing 2. To provide more affordable alternative care and homes 3. To eliminate taxes for seniors, depending on income levels.
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