As the state with the third-oldest population in the country, Vermont is uniquely exposed to problems facing older people. A new by the Census Bureau, however, shows New England has the smallest proportion of accessible housing in the country.
Researchers at the Census Bureau found 40.1% of the country鈥檚 housing stock to be accessible for older people nationwide, but only 19.6% of the housing stock in New England could be considered accessible.
To determine accessibility, the Census Bureau asked if households had a step-free entryway and, for houses with multiple stories, if there was a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor. New England has far more multi-level homes and step entries than the rest of the country.
Many Vermonters own older homes not built with accessibility in mind, said Tracey Shamberger, director of business development and communications at Age Well Vermont, the Area Agency on Aging for Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties.
鈥淭hey don鈥檛 have accessible bathrooms or spaces that would prevent falls, which is an area we鈥檙e very focused on,鈥� Shamberger said. 鈥淎nd then, of course there鈥檚 the cost. Many older adults live on fixed budgets and so it becomes a barrier for them to stay in a home that鈥檚 older if they鈥檙e not living in it with many other people in the home.鈥�
The rural nature of the state presents additional challenges, Shamberger said, particularly when it comes to transportation, which the Census Bureau report did not cover.
鈥淥ne of the biggest barriers for older adults, regardless of where they live, is transportation,鈥� said Shamberger. 鈥淪o if they鈥檙e in a rural place without access to transportation, living in a rural setting can really exacerbate the situation.鈥�
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