I am a caregiver for an 89-year-old bedridden lady who requires around-the-clock, hands-on help. I work for IHSS for the state of California and find it appalling that the essential amenities necessary for our seniors' comfort and safety are not standard in many 55+ communities. It's incredibly frustrating that these communities often charge exorbitant fees for accessibility features that should be mandatory by law, forcing homeowners to pay out of pocket to adapt their own homes and meet their basic needs.

More than ever, as our population ages, it's crucial that all 55-year-old communities meet certain criteria to properly accommodate their residents. Each unit should be equipped with ramps and be wheel-chair accessible. It's not only a matter of convenience but of dignity and human rights. The common areas and clubhouses in these communities must also be accessible to ensure all residents can participate in communal activities, fostering a sense of community and well-being among seniors.

Moreover, each community should establish its own Medical Response Team (MRT) that works in tandem with state Medicare and medical services. This will ensure that assistance is always at hand, offering seniors and their families peace of mind.

Importantly, these communities should uphold the rights set out for senior citizens and citizens with disabilities both by the USA and individual state legislation. All homeowners should be exempt from unnecessary fees and charges when it comes to modifying their homes for safe and accessible living conditions, this is a basic human right not a luxury.

Our elderly population deserves to live in environments that provide both safety and accessible care, allowing them to grow older with dignity. By enforcing these changes, we can make sure seniors, like the one I care for, and countless others, have their needs respected and honored. We must stand together to advocate for these crucial improvements to the living standards in 55+ communities.

Please sign this petition to urge lawmakers and community planners to implement these vital changes to protect and improve the lives of our elderly residents. Together, we can ensure that growing older in America means growing older with respect, safety, and dignity for all.