As a child, I was primarily raised by my grandparents. I owe so much of my life to them. So, that is why I am so adamantly championing for Better Care of our Elders.

I would like to create programs that help keep our Elders in their homes by way of helping with Rent and Mortgage cost, by capping what a Rental Company, 55+ Community, or other similar agency can charge an Elder to live there. I would also like create some sort of way to stop predatory housing loan lenders from taking advantage of our elderly when they need to refinance their home loans or take out an additional mortgage on their home. Lastly, I would like to see what can be done about predatory Reverse Mortgages that are marketed to our Elders as such a wonderful way to help give them extra income every month but actually steal equity out of their homes, essentially robbing Peter to pay Paul.

I would like to expand programs like Next Generation MyCare, Ohio’s PASSPORT Waiver, Entyre Care and Careforth. These are all types of programs where family members, excluding a spouse or a guardian, can get paid to take care of eligible disabled and/or elderly family members in the comfort of their own home, where the caregiving family member goes to help them and care for them.

I would like to create a fund that builds more Senior and Community Centers where all are welcome to come together and be closer to each other, a safe place to gather and find community. When we connect our Elders with our Youth, both are rewarded! Our Elders are our mentors, teachers, and memory of our communities. Our Youth are our future and stand to learn so much, mentally and emotionally, by becoming friends with our Elders.