Bakari Sellers, South Carolina Representative (D) and candidate for lieutenant governor, has made issues affecting South Carolina’s senior population his primary concern.
Rep. Sellers has been traveling the state discussing his proposed South Carolina “Senior Plan” to improve the life of its aging population.
In his Sellers for South Carolina blog, he outlines a six point plan focusing on the needs of the elderly which includes:
- Expanding the state’s investment in senior transportation.
- Advocating for tax relief packages for caregivers and long-term care insurance premiums.
- Leading the Senior Fraud Taskforce.
- Expanding the senior homestead exemption.
- Strengthening the continuum of care.
- Transforming the Office on Aging into a driving force for advocacy on behalf of Alzheimer’s patients and their families and increasing Alzheimer’s research
Representative Sellers is also proposing a $500 annual tax credit for family caregivers.
Citing the statistics of a greatly expanding senior population which is expected to double by the year 2030, this younger member of the General Assembly bemoans the fact that South Carolina “seniors have been neglected too long” and proposes to reach across the aisle and seek cooperation from Democrats and Republicans alike.
South Carolina’s victorious lieutenant governor will also lead the state’s Office on Aging.
In AARP’s recent State Scorecard on Long-Term Services and Supports for Older Adults, People with Physical Disabilities, and Family Caregivers, South Carolina ranked in the third quartile in 34th place nationally. Caregiverlist’s® Nursing Home database includes 195 South Carolina Nursing Homes, with a private-room cost average of $185.76 and an average Star Rating of 2.9.
The majority of senior issues and concerns are addressed on a state level. It’s nice to see a young representative like Mr. Sellers tackle the well-being of his elder constituency. If you’d like to learn more about South Carolina senior services and resources, Caregiverlist® offers by-state information such as SC Drivers License Laws, caregiver training requirements and a link to the South Carolina Department on Aging.
(95-year-old Dolly Sparks meets Rep. Bakari Sellers during a campaign stop at Agape Senior Assisted Living North Charleston. Wade Spees/Staff. http://sellers2014.com/ )
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