Speech and Testimony
County Executive Leggett’s Remarks at the Design for Life Showcase
Silver Spring Civic Building
1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring
As prepared
Good morning, and welcome to the Design for Life Showcase. I hope this is the inaugural of many, annual Design-for-Life Showcases as we highlight how you can stay in your home longer, safely and more comfortably.
Our goal is to encourage the construction of new homes and the remodeling of existing homes so that accessibility is an assumed norm and not an afterthought.
We are not there yet; but programs like the County’s Design for Life bring us closer to that goal.
With a growing senior population, returning wounded veterans, and residents in need of mobility aids due to illness, birth conditions, accidents, et cetera, we face a challenge of providing housing that is accessible and more livable by all.
Making your home accessible will enable you to stay in it longer.
This Showcase is sponsored by the County to bring residents together with designers, builders, renovators and suppliers engaged in helping make homes accessible.
Look around this hall and you can see that, with Design for Life, your home can be both accessible and beautiful – Through all stages and all ages of life.
And, with a property tax credit, the County will help you pay for it. Chances are that you, a family member, or even friends who come to your home will, at some point, benefit from having doorways and halls that are wide enough that a person can pass through with a wheelchair, walker, crutches or other mobility aid.
Having a bathroom that can be entered and used with comfort; showers that are safe at all ages and stages of life; counter-space that can be accessed even from a wheelchair if necessary; or even stair lifts, can be the difference between being displaced to a nursing home or assisted living versus staying in your home.
It can also be the difference between having family or friends come for a visit.
You can stay in your home longer and possibly avoid the staggering expense of outside care facilities by making your home accessible today.
According to our County’s Department of Health and Human Services, the cost of staying in assisted living averages $4,500/month in Silver Spring. In some cases it can be much higher.
Remodeling to make your home accessible, or purchasing an accessible home is an investment that pays.
And, it is an investment that we will help you cover through our property tax credit program.
Do as much or as little as you like – from grab-bars in your bathroom; or a no-step shower; to a wider front entry; or a maneuverable kitchen.
You can make your home “visitable” or go all the way and make your home livable.
So look around at the various displays; talk with County staff about the tax credit program; see examples of beautiful, accessible homes; and plan your own remodeling or purchase of an accessible home so you can live your life as you please right here in the County.
Thank you!
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Release ID: 17-054
May 13; 11:30 a.m.