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want to include those “unnecessary” access features until we need them), but there are also studies showing that it’s not only cheaper for society to keep folks in their home, but as people age and stay in their homes during that aging process, they tend to live longer and have happier, and more fulfilled lives.
built, nationally respected cost analysis has shown that the cost to include accessible features in those new structures typically cost less than 1% of all building costs. That’s why it’s so important to include those features, because once built, the cost of residential remodel projects is exponentially higher.
If I still haven’t convinced you. Vesta, please take a few minutes and read the following from AARP. And here’s the web address for the article:
Many folks believe as you apparently do with regard to the inclusion of what they consider “unnecessary” features when single family homes are first built. Those accessibility features include (but are not limited to) an accessible entrance, hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens. It appears that you and others believe accessibility features should only be added if the person living in the home needs them.
https://www.aarp.org/home- garden/housing/info-2002/aresearch- import-796-INB48.html
Well, that would be OK if home owners didn’t age or have accidents. And I’m somewhat of an expert
on that because of my personal experience.
Sheriff Announces $3
Million Settlement in
Andy Lopez Case
(Dec. 18, 2018 article on SonomaCountyGazette.com)
Vesta, as I’m sure you already know, no one ever plans to have a major accident that will probably change their lives in so many ways. When a major disability happens to someone, their lives are thrown into chaos. All of a sudden they may have to sell their home and move because they don’t know how to make the home they are in accessible.
On Oct 22, 2013, a beautiful child, 13-year-old Andy Lopez was gunned down and shot to death by Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputy, Erick Gelhaus. On Tuesday, December 18th, the Board of Supervisors for the County reached a settlement with Lopez’ parents for $3 million.
And then, just try to find accessible single family homes and see how many you can find. And there’s the cost of modifying either the home they are in or purchasing another home and then modifying it to make it accessible. If you believe the costs of access when incorporated in new construction is unreasonable, try modifying an existing home to make it accessible. Those modification
Gelhaus was of course, disgustingly, cleared of any criminal liability after a 5 month-long investigation by the DA and never went to trial. He still works for the Sheriff’s Dept.
that cost less than 1% when designed and built into a new home, could cost from between 10 to 20% to make it accessible when remodeling an existing home.
There has been a 3.5 million dollar park built in Andy’s honor which was completed this year in his neighborhood. Activists, the community and his family and friends never stopped constantly demanding justice for Andy Lopez. Working together and putting unrelenting pressure on local government, is what made that park a reality.
Which brings up the last part of my thoughts. What about seniors? As you age, are you prepared to spend years of your life in a convalescent facility because your home isn’t accessible? And because of your age and weakened condition, you now need to use a wheelchair for mobility because you don’t have the strength to walk any distance. What will
Elbert “Big Man” Howard was so very affected and upset by this young boy’s killing. He was determined
to fight for justice for Andy and publicize his case. Although his health made this difficult for him, he appeared at a couple of protests.
you do? Clearly, you must find an alternative that’s accessible, but we, as a society have said we don’t want accessible single family homes. We’ll “deal” with that later!
the hands of law enforcement, in
the public eye. Big Man attended community meetings, went before the Board of Supervisors and continued to talk and write about Andy until he got too ill to do so.
‘With our aging population, it wouldn’t only be cheaper to keep them in their own homes (if money is the major reason as to why we don’t
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Over the years, he never stopped writing about Andy, talking about him to anyone and everyone and keeping this child’s killing at
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