LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Need for cottage-style housing for seniors

Advancing age has caused me to realize a change in lifestyle and living arrangements may be necessary due to age-related infirmities.

Though there are apartments available in the area that are suitable, it has occurred to me that cottage-style living would be much appreciated by some of our seniors. I have seen this type of facility with one-level, freestanding units housing a single person or a couple.

These homes provide one or two bedrooms, living room with dining area, kitchen and bath. No elevator or stairs to navigate. I know of a facility that places a carport for two vehicles between two single units (homes). Another has two connected units. Each unit has a small, covered porch and outside storage space where garden tools and trash receptacles can be housed and protected from the weather. Residents are encouraged to plant a small bed of flowers if so desired.

Due to limited mobility of many seniors, all units should include electric range, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer and mail delivery to each. It is imperative that appliances be electric thus avoiding any open flame.

All units should insure safety with particular attention to wood or tile floors (no carpeting), microwave at counter level (not over range) and appropriately placed grab bars.

Assisted living and memory care is also offered in the event that independent living is no longer suitable.

To my knowledge, there is none of this type of housing being offered in this area. My hope is that my message may stimulate interest in such a project within a radius of 10 miles be it a municipality or private individuals. Beverly Mosher, Harwinton

Don’t punish those in need

No one should ever have to choose between seeking medical care and staying in this country. But that is exactly the situation many people will find themselves in if proposed changes to U.S. immigration policy are permitted to proceed.

According to the new changes, a person can be denied permanent residency if they have been a recipient of Medicaid, SNAP (formerly food stamps), federal housing assistance, or other anti-poverty programs. This is just plain wrong.

I hope members of Congress will stand up against any policy changes that cut families off from medical care, and nutrition and housing assistance. Tom Sharkey, Granby