Last year, Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) authored an innovative bill to allow seniors to age peacefully and safely in their own homes. The bill was introduced last year, and Housley plans to renew efforts to get this bill its first committee hearing. 

The bill creates the Minnesota Age in Place Network, which would help fund home modifications and safety renovations to the homes of seniors considered low- to moderate-income. Approved renovations would include items like accessibility ramps, improved lighting, safer appliances, grab bars, stair lifts, safety railing, and more. The end goal of this bill is to provide support to seniors that choose to age in their homes.

“Sometimes our seniors feel left behind – this bill is about empowering them to age in the homes they’ve spent years building a life in,” said Housley. "In a world where nursing homes and assisted living options are far outside the price range for many families, this is an alternative that allows our seniors to spend their golden years in the homes they love."

According to Age Well at Home, over 80% of older adults want to stay at home as long as possible, yet less than 5% of homes are age friendly. Additionally, over 40,000 older homeowners in Minnesota need modifications or renovations in the next 5 years to stay at their homes as they age.

“This bill is a forward-thinking solution to preserving homeownership for seniors through simple modifications that make their homes safe and stable for their later stages of life,” finished Housley.