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Although 26% of people in the United States have a disability, only 6% of housing meets basic accessibility requirements. 2 in 5 older adults experience a disability, and 1 in 5 adults are expected to be over 65 by 2030.
Many people with disabilities struggle to afford housing that meets their needs. For those receiving Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), the cost of rent for a modest apartment in many areas can exceed their income, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reports.
When accessible residences are unavailable, individuals may feel institutionalized living is their only option. Yet most would prefer to reside in community settings.
Features of accessible housing include lowered counters, widened doorways, and zero-step showers. Adaptable housing can be modified to suit the needs of those with disabilities.
Location is also important for accessibility. Reasonably priced housing in communities with inexpensive public transportation and walkable or rollable sidewalks promote independence and allow individuals to remain active in their communities. Living and engaging with one’s community can also prevent isolation and loneliness.
In an effort to address the need for accessible and affordable housing for people with disabilities, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Visitable Inclusive Tax Credits for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act in April 2023. This legislation aims to increase investment in the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program to address the housing needs of aging people and individuals with disabilities.
The LIHTC program incentivizes developers to build new housing for low-income renters through tax credits. Individuals can obtain LIHTC units when they meet location-specific income requirements.
The VITAL Act modifies the LIHTC program to increase the number of accessible homes and residences in navigable communities. This would provide more residential options for adults with disabilities, helping them remain in communities.
If adopted, the VITAL Act would change the LIHTC program in the following ways:
It would increase the overall funding for LIHTC for both the 4 percent and the 9 percent tax credits.
The 4 percent tax credit, known as the 30 percent subsidy, supports the rehabilitation of existing buildings or new construction financed by tax-exempt bonds. The Act would decrease the tax-exempt bond financing requirement from 50 percent to 25 percent, allowing states to allocate more 4 percent credits for building rehabilitations.
The 9 percent tax credit, known as the 70 percent subsidy, which supports new construction and substantial rehabilitation without federal support, would increase 50 percent over the 2021 leve
The Act would make more funding available for developers who build units for those with disabilities in accessible communities. It would give 130 percent more credits to developers who create adaptable and accessible units in areas with good EPA walkability scores. Developers would therefore pay fewer taxes.
The legislation would impose requirements on the percentage of accessible units constructed under LIHTC in a three-year period.
Forty percent must be adaptable and accessible for residents with disabilities. Or, if these units are located in walkable and rollable areas, states may lower the minimum to 20 percent. This incentivizes creating units in navigable areas, improving residents’ quality of life.
The program would give each state housing finance authority $150,000 annually. The funds would support the creation of LITHC resource centers for new and nonprofit developers.
The VITAL Act would establish a housing national advisory council. Comprising community-based organizations, housing developers, state housing finance agencies, investors, and the research community, this council would report on national trends and best practices for the program. The report would be available to states and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to review every three years.
If the VITAL Act becomes law, it could help support the housing needs of the aging and disabled population.
If you have questions, contact Sharek Law Office at 412-347-1731 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute Call with our staff to learn more about applying for LIHTC housing.
This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.
Welcome to Oakdale CommonsOakdale Commons is more than just an apartment complex; its a thoughtfully curated community designed for seniors. With its grand opening in 2024, Oakdale Commons represents the future of affordable, comfortable senior living.This age-restricted community invites residents aged 55 and older to experience the perfect blend of modern design and community-focused living.Apartment Options to Suit Every LifestyleOakdale Commons offers a range of floor plans to meet diverse needs. Whether youre looking for a cozy one-bedroom or a spacious two-bedroom apartment, youll find options designed with comfort and functionality in mind.Floor Plans Inspired by NatureThe apartment units at Oakdale Commons are uniquely named after local trees, reinforcing a connection to the natural beauty of Minnesota. Each apartment includes:Open layouts for ease of movement and functionality.Modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances and select units featuring kitchen islands for added counter space.Natural light to brighten every corner of your home.These well-thought-out designs make everyday living effortless, whether youre relaxing at home, entertaining guests, or pursuing hobbies.Amenities for a Vibrant LifestyleLiving at Oakdale Commons means more than just having a great apartmentits about enjoying a range of amenities that enhance quality of life.Fitness and WellnessOakdale Commons features an on-site fitness center, making it easy for residents to stay active and maintain their health. Equipped with weights, cardio machines, and a dedicated space for stretching or yoga, the fitness center accommodates all fitness levels.Spaces for Socializing and RelaxationFor residents who value connection and community, Oakdale Commons offers:A community room perfect for hosting events, gatherings, or simply spending time with neighbors.A cozy library, an ideal spot for reading, quiet reflection, or catching up on work.Pet-Friendly LivingAnimal lovers will appreciate the dog run, giving furry friends a safe space to play and exercise.Outdoor EnjoymentThe exterior patio, complete with tables and umbrellas, provides a wonderful setting to relax, enjoy the fresh air, or socialize with neighbors in a picturesque environment.Best of all, these amenities are included in the monthly rent, ensuring a straightforward and stress-free living experience.Convenient Location for Every NeedLocated at 1135 Hadley Avenue North in Oakdale, Minnesota, Oakdale Commons enjoys a prime position that combines convenience with a serene setting.Nearby AttractionsRestaurants and shops: Residents are a short distance from a variety of dining and shopping options, ensuring daily errands and outings are a breeze.Parks and recreation: Oakdale is known for its beautiful parks and trails, offering opportunities for walking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.Ease of TransportationWith Highway 694 nearby, Oakdale Commons offers quick access to surrounding areas, making visits to friends, family, and regional attractions simple and convenient.Why Choose Oakdale Commons?For seniors considering a move, Oakdale Commons represents an outstanding option that combines all the essentials of comfortable, affordable senior living. Heres why:Affordable Rent with Inclusive AmenitiesOakdale Commons offers competitive rental rates that include access to all on-site amenities. There are no surprise fees, allowing residents to enjoy their space without financial stress.Brand-New ConstructionBeing a newly built community, Oakdale Commons provides modern designs, up-to-date appliances, and fresh spaces that reflect todays standards of comfort and style.Sense of CommunityThe age-restricted 55+ environment fosters a sense of belonging, as residents can connect with neighbors in similar stages of life. With planned amenities like a community room and outdoor spaces, its easy to build friendships and find a support system.Proximity to Everything You NeedFrom shopping and dining to outdoor recreation, Oakdale Commons places residents close to the essentials while still maintaining a quiet, residential atmosphere.Pet-Friendly PoliciesMany seniors view their pets as family members, and Oakdale Commons makes it easy for them to thrive in a community that welcomes furry friends.How to Get StartedAre you ready to experience affordable senior living at its best? Oakdale Commons makes the process of joining this community simple:Schedule a TourVisit the Oakdale Commons website or call (651) 294-6185 to schedule a tour. Experience the apartments, amenities, and atmosphere firsthand.Explore Floor PlansCheck out the available one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.Apply OnlineComplete your application online and secure your spot in this highly sought-after community.Conclusion: Oakdale Commons as Your Next HomeOakdale Commons represents a modern approach to affordable senior living, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and community. Its thoughtful design, inclusive amenities, and prime location make it an excellent choice for individuals aged 55 and older seeking a place to call home.Dont miss the opportunity to become a part of this incredible community. Schedule your tour today and discover why so many seniors are choosing Oakdale Commons for their next chapter.
If youre looking for affordable, stylish, and modern senior living, Oxboro Heights in Bloomington, Minnesota, offers everything you need to enjoy your next chapter. Opened in April 2024, this new 55+ community is thoughtfully designed for active seniors seeking a vibrant, connected lifestyle.With its incredible amenities, well-designed apartments, and unbeatable location, Oxboro Heights provides a perfect blend of luxury and affordability. And with limited-time offers like a $2,000 Visa gift card and two months free rent for those moving in by December 1, 2024, now is the perfect time to make your move.Modern Apartments Tailored for Your NeedsOxboro Heights offers a variety of one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans to suit your lifestyle. Each apartment is designed with convenience, comfort, and style in mind, featuring:Balconies or patios for your personal outdoor space.Stainless steel appliances for a sleek, modern kitchen.In-unit laundry to simplify daily chores.Walk-in closets for ample storage.Individual climate control with free heat, ensuring year-round comfort.Additionally, all two-bedroom units come with free heated underground parking, making winter driving easier and stress-free.Amenities That Enhance Your LifestyleAt Oxboro Heights, residents enjoy access to a wide range of community amenities designed to foster connections and elevate daily living. These include:Heated underground parking garage, offering safety and convenience.A cozy library with a fireplace, perfect for relaxing or socializing.A fully equipped 24/7 fitness center, allowing you to stay active at your own pace.A community room and family dining room, providing spaces to host gatherings or participate in group activities.A welcoming sunroom to enjoy natural light, even on chilly days.A package room for secure and easy delivery of your online orders.An activity room for games, hobbies, or community events.Whether you want to stay active, relax with a good book, or join in social events, Oxboro Heights has something for everyone.Prime Bloomington LocationConveniently located at 600 West 93rd Street, Oxboro Heights places you in the heart of Bloomington, MN. This prime location offers:Easy access to Highway 35-W, making travel around the Twin Cities a breeze.Proximity to the Mall of America, just a 10-minute drive away, where youll find shopping, dining, and entertainment.A variety of nearby parks, walking trails, and recreational facilities to enjoy outdoor activities.Local grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities within easy reach, ensuring all your essentials are close at hand.Limited-Time Offer: Move In by December 1, 2024Dont miss the opportunity to take advantage of Oxboro Heights grand opening offers. If you move in by December 1, 2024, youll receive:Two months free rent, providing significant savings.A $2,000 Visa gift card, helping you settle into your new home with ease.This is a limited-time promotion, so act quickly to secure your spot in this exceptional senior living community.A Community Designed for ConnectionOxboro Heights isnt just a place to liveits a place to thrive. The thoughtfully designed common areas and amenities encourage connection and camaraderie among residents. Whether youre sharing a meal in the family dining room, participating in a book club in the library, or working out in the fitness center, youll feel at home in this welcoming community.Why Choose Oxboro Heights for Senior Living?Affordable LuxuryWith features like free heat, in-unit laundry, and underground parking, Oxboro Heights combines luxury and affordability, making it an excellent choice for seniors looking to stretch their budget without compromising on quality.Modern and Functional DesignEvery apartment and amenity space is designed with the needs of active seniors in mind, ensuring that functionality meets modern style.Convenient LocationSituated in Bloomington, Oxboro Heights places you close to everything you needfrom shopping and dining to outdoor recreation and medical services.Pet-Friendly EnvironmentOxboro Heights welcomes pets, ensuring that your furry companions can join you in your new home.Exceptional ManagementOperated by Velair Property Management, the on-site team at Oxboro Heights is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that your living experience is smooth and enjoyable.Schedule Your Tour TodayReady to see all that Oxboro Heights has to offer? Schedule a tour today to explore the beautiful apartments, modern amenities, and inviting community spaces. Contact Us: (612) 446-5534 Address: 600 West 93rd Street, Bloomington, MN 55420 Office Hours:Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMSunday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMExplore Sister PropertiesIf youre interested in exploring other affordable senior living options, check out Oxboro Heights sister properties, like Villas at Pleasant Avenue or Villas of Mounds View. Each property offers its own unique charm, amenities, and location, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.Start Your Next Chapter at Oxboro HeightsAffordable senior living doesnt have to mean compromising on quality, comfort, or style. At Oxboro Heights, youll find a community that feels like home, complete with modern conveniences, luxurious amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Take advantage of the limited-time move-in offers and make Oxboro Heights your new home today.
Visit any critical care unit, childrens hospital, or other specialty inpatient facility, and youll find a common feature: therapy dogs. For decades, healthcare practitioners have understood the surprisingly positive effects on patients of time spend with cute and cuddly dogs. Therapy dogs reduce stress, improve mood, and can help patients reframe their outlook on whatever condition ails them. The positive effects of patient interactions with therapy dogs are a well-documented fact of the medical world. Senior citizens with limited mobility and other health conditions also benefit from the companionship of dogs. Owning a pet reduces feelings of loneliness among seniors living at home or in a retirement facility, which in turn greatly reduces the risk of diseases associated with loneliness and isolation. Pets can also decrease the number of stress hormones in a persons blood, lower blood pressure, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life. Dogs and other pets, it seems, have tremendous healing powers!Since Alzheimers patients cannot adequately care for a pet, owning one is out of the question. Considering the nature of Alzheimers dementia, it is easy to assume that a loved one may not benefit from a pet since they will not remember the interaction. Researchers, convinced therapy dogs would have a positive effect on Alzheimers patients, put this question to the test: Do Therapy Dogs Help Alzheimers Dementia Patients?Short-Term Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Patients with Alzheimers Dementia.A study conducted in the early 2000s looked carefully at the subject of therapy dogs and Alzheimers dementia patients. They measured the incidence of behavioral disturbances among patients in a nursing home for a period of four weeks, then introduced therapy dogs. Their initial findings showed that the dogs helped to reduce behavioral disturbances in the short term, meaning they helped to immediately calm patients. The short-term effects proved that therapy dogs do have a positive effect on patients with Alzheimers disease, particularly in regards to anxiety, anger, and changes in behavior associated with the disease.Long-Term Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Patients with Alzheimers Dementia.The same study did not stop at the short-term effects of therapy dogs on Alzheimers patients. Previous assumptions suggested that since patients would not remember their encounters with the therapy dogs, the effects of spending time with them would vanish from one day to the next. Not true, the study authors found. Although most of the patients did not remember their interactions with the therapy dogs (some did), the behavioral disturbances noted in the four weeks prior to the study reduced. In fact, the longer and more frequently patients interacted with the therapy dogs, the less they exhibited behavioral disturbances.Therapy Dogs As A Long-Term Therapy.The study findings confirmed what clinicians suspected all along: dogs are an excellent long-term therapy for persons with Alzheimers dementia to reduce the incidence of behavioral disturbances. Therapy dogs also had the same effect on Alzheimers patients as they do on other kinds of patients, including reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, better appetite, and fewer feelings of loneliness. These effects continued to increase the longer and more frequently patients interacted with the dogs.What Makes Dogs Such Good Therapy?Dogs are wired to give unconditional love and devotion. They can provide physical and social contact where it is missing, and they are not picky. what sets dogs apart, particularly those trained as therapy dogs, is that they will approach anyone regardless of their physical or mental deterioration, and initiate contact. Patients can pet, hug, and cuddle dogs unlike any other kind of pet. These positive interactions provide a distraction to the other goings-on around them and provide relief for those suffering from sadness, anger, or angst.The Takeaway.Dogs have a tremendous healing power. While studies have focused specifically on Alzheimers dementia patients, their positive effects will benefit anyone suffering from general dementia. Families of patients will feel relief that their loved ones have fewer outbursts of anger, sadness, or angst. While dementia impairs memory, it does not interrupt the long-term benefits of regularly interacting with a therapy dog. In fact, the more they interact with a therapy dog, the fewer behavioral problems they exhibit.
Our Firm Prepares You for Life What makes our firm different is that we were built with the needs of growing families in mind. We understand you are BUSY, you are growing, you are planning for a life of prosperity and you value ease, convenience and efficiency. You are raising children, and caring for elderly parents, while also working hard to build your own nest egg for a lifetime of support. You want to know youve made the best decisions for your family and that your plan will work when your loved ones need it most. You want to make sure your minor children would be raised by the people you choose, and never by anyone you wouldnt want, and that your teens and adult children are properly prepared to care for you and what you leave behind. You want to feel confident that youve made the right choices, and handled everything so that you arent leaving behind a mess, when something happens. That is our focus as well. Weve developed unique systems to give you the same access to a Personal Family Lawyer as was previously only available to the super-wealthy, so you can have the guidance you need to build and maintain a life of prosperity and wealth. And, to keep your family out of court and out of conflict, which is the greatest risk to the people you love and all you have created, even if youve already worked with a traditional lawyer or created documents online. Our Team Is Here for You We encourage communication with our clients. In fact, weve thrown out the time clocks so you never have to be afraid to call with a quick question. Everything we do is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are never any surprises. We have a whole team to serve you. When you call our office to ask your quick question, you wont have to wait hours or days for a phone call back. Youll get your question answered, right away. And, if you need to schedule a more in-depth legal or strategic call with your Personal Family Lawyer, a call will be scheduled when you're both available and ready for the call so we can make the very best use of your time and not waste your time by leaving voicemail after voicemail back and forth. And, we ensure the most important details of your planning are followed through on and your plan continues to work throughout your lifetime. We have a funding coordinator to ensure your assets are owned the right way throughout your lifetime and none of your assets will end up going through a long, expensive court process or being lost to the state because they were missed after your death. Weve created unique membership programs to keep your plan up to date year in and year out as well as give you access to our Trusted Team of Legal Experts for guidance on ANY legal or financial matter. One day you will need a lawyer. I dont know why and I dont know when, but when you do, you will be grateful you can call on us and well be here to advise you or get you out of a jam. We Help You Transfer Your Life and Legacy Lastly, we believe your financial wealth is only a small part of your overall Life and Legacy Planning which is made up of your far more valuable and most often lost upon incapacity or death intellectual, spiritual and human assets. These assets are what make you who you are, and sum up whats most important to you. And, a survey of inheritors has revealed that what they care about even more than inheriting your money, is inheriting these intangible assets. Most estate plans only focus on the transfer of your financial wealth to the next generation. Most people have such great intentions of passing on the intangible, but very few ever get around to it. Its just not a priority, until its too late. How much do you know about your grandparents values? Their most prized personal possessions? How they felt about you? What they had learned during their lifetime? If you are like most people, you know very little. Thats why we build the capture and passage of these most valuable assets into every estate plan we create. Not only will we help you pass on your money, but also your values, your insights, your stories and your experience the truly valuable assets your loved ones care about the most. Weve developed a tool that allows us to capture and pass on your whole family wealth, including your Intellectual, Spiritual and Human assets. I cant go into all of the details here, but well definitely talk about it when you come in for your Life and Legacy Planning Session.