THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2024 Page 15 am proud to have played a part in this momentous passing.” “Ask anyone how the majority of fi refi ghter line-of-duty deaths occur — most will probably guess smoke inhalation or oncall injury,” said Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “The shocking truth is that, from 2002 to 2019, cancer accounted for 66 percent of fi refi ghter deaths, according to the International Association of Firefi ghters. PFAS exposure from fi refi ghting equipment is a crisis for fi refi ghters and the communities they serve.” “This is great news,” said Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG’s Legislative director. “Firefi ghters put their lives on the line to protect us in an emergency, and we must make sure the gear they wear will protect them.” VETERANS BENEFITS (S 2817) — Gov. Healey signed into law legislation designed to benefi t veterans in the Bay State by broadening the definition of a veteran, increasing tax credits and state benefi ts for which they are eligible and modernizing the services on which they rely. Provisions include increasing benefi ts for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members; bolstering new and existing initiatives for municipalities and businesses to support veterans; creating comprehensive services for active-duty service members and military families; expanding the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board; and codifying medical, behavioral health and dental benefi ts. The measure also requires several working groups to review post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, mental health treatments for veterans and overall quality of life for veterans in Massachusetts. Supporters said the legislation will boost support for hundreds of thousands of individuals across the state who have served in the United States military, including nearly 30,000 women veterans and thousands of LGBTQ+ veterans. “This is our most comprehensive veterans legislation in over 20 years, and it’s the result of Massachusetts coming together to make veterans our priority,” said Gov. Healey. “From the start, our administration has been dedicated to revitalizing veterans’ services in Massachusetts, ensuring that every hero receives the benefi ts, resources and support they deserve. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country — we can and will be the state where veterans and service members continue to lead and make all our freedom and success possible.” “Massachusetts has a long history of prioritizing the needs of our veterans and service members and I am thrilled that the [bill] is on its way to the governor’s desk to continue this tradition,” said Sen. John Velis (DWestfi eld), Senate chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Aff airs. “Less than one half of one percent of our nation bravely raise their right hand and pledge to defend our nation no matter the costs. We must always remember, recognize and honor these sacrifi ces however we can, and passage of this legislation is an important step toward fulfi lling that mission.” “The [measure] enhances the quality of life for veterans in the commonwealth by making critical investments in benefi ts programs, expanding access to services and creating policies to ensure our veterans and their families are well-informed about the benefi ts and services available to them,” said Rep. Gerry Cassidy (D-Brockton), House chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Aff airs. DOMESTIC ASSAULT AND JOBS (S 2934) — Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would extend employment protection for workers employed through a temporary hiring agency. These workers, if they are victims of domestic assault, could not have their contract terminated if they miss a reasonable amount of time for certain appointments. Covered appointments include doctor’s appointments, hospital stays and court dates. This would mirror the protections currently granted to bona fi de employees of a company. “This bill has been fi led and pushed by Sen. Fattman and me after a tragic incident that occurred to a constituent of ours,” said co-sponsor Rep. Joe McKenna (R-Webster). “Amanda Dabrowski was a victim of domestic assault and had her temporary agency contract terminated after missing time because she was in the hospital. Tragically, partly due to her loss of work, her life took a few challenging turns and she was ultimately tracked and murdered by the same violent perpetrator.” “No one who’s a victim of domestic violence should lose their job because they are unable to attend work due to the injuries they sustained from domestic abuse,” said co-sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “Victims of domestic violence need to be protected, and this legislation will be one step in strengthening our laws to make sure this happens. In Amanda’s honor, the Dabrowski family would like to make sure that something good comes out of this very tragic situation.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “Survivors of sexual assault already have so many obstacles to overcome when bringing their experiences forward. We have tools to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors but unaddressed delays minimize the injustice experienced by survivors and place others at risk for potential assaults. The Executive Offi ce of Public Safety and Security needs to take these matters seriously, and ensure these kits are being tracked correctly, processing kits on time and in accordance with the law.” ---State Auditor Diana DiZoglio on her Executive Offi ce of Public Safety and Security audit which identifi es issues with oversight of sexual assault evidence collection kits. “Our governor and her administration have committed to being climate champions. Reducing food waste remains an unrealized opportunity toward that goal. We urge state policymakers to take on reduction of food waste as a top priority. We have a menu of strategies to do just that.” ---Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG on the group’s new report “How to Reduce Food Waste in Massachusetts.” The report says that despite signifi cant progress in reducing it, food waste still accounts for about 22 percent of Massachusetts’ trash, with nearly one million tons of food waste sent to landfi lls and incinerators each year. “Jobs are a great way for young people to learn skills and improve their communities, and it is essential that employers provide safe and healthy work environment. I am proud of the work my offi ce has done to uplift and protect our youth in the workplace, and we will continue to protect them by ensuring that companies are complying with our child labor laws.” --- Attorney General Andrea Campbell highlighting more than $4.1 million in penalties and restitution against Massachusetts employers that have violated Massachusetts’ child labor laws. BEACON | SEE Page 16 How to Choose a Walk-In Bathtub Dear Savvy Senior, Because of my back pain and mobility problems, I’m interested in getting a walk-in bathtub that’s safe and easy to get in and out of. What all can you tell me about walk-in tubs, and can you recommend some top options? Old and Achy Dear Old, For mobility challenged seniors, a walk-in bathtub can be a terrifi c option to consider because they’re much easier to get into and out of than a standard tub, which also helps prevent falls. Here’s what you should know, along with a reliable resource to help you choose one. Age-Friendly Tubs Walk-in bathtubs are uniquely designed tubs that have a watertight, hinged door built into the side of the tub that provides a much lower threshold to step over (usually 3 to 7 inches) versus a standard tub that’s around 15 inches. Most walk-in tubs have high sidewalls, usually between three and four feet high, and are between 28 and 32 inches wide, but will fi t into the same 60-inch-long space as your standard tub without having to reconfi gure the room. In addition to the low threshold, most walk-in tubs also have a built-in seat, grab bars, antislip fl oors and anti-scald valves. Some tubs also come with handheld showerheads and quick drains (that drain the tub in under a minute), and many higher-end models off er therapeutic spa-like features that are great for seniors with arthritis and other ailments. The best kind of tub for you will depend on your needs, preferences and budget, and the size and layout of your bathroom. But be aware that walk-in bathtubs are not cheap. Prices range anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more for the tub and installation costs. Insurance and Aid Because walk-in tubs are not considered durable medical equipment, original Medicare does not typically cover them nor do Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies, but some Medicare Advantage plans may help pay. If you’re receiving Medicaid, many states have Home and Community Based Services that may provide some assistance. Or, if you’re a disabled veteran, the VA has some home modifi cation grants that may help pay. There are also grants and loans available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that help elderly, low-income residents of rural areas make home modifi cations, which may be used to pay for a walk-in bathtub. And, depending on where you live, there may be local programs that can help like Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together. To fi nd out if these options are available in your area, contact your Area Aging Agency (call 800-677-1116) or nearby center for independent living (see ilru.org). If, however, you can’t locate any financial assistance and you can’t aff ord to pay upfront for a walk-in tub, most manufacturers off er fi nancing so you can make monthly payments. You should also know that if you’re using a walk-in tub for a specifi c medical condition, you may also be able to deduct the costs of the tub from your taxes as a medical expense (see irs. gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf). Best Walk-In Bathtubs To help you choose a walkin bathtub the National Council on Aging, which is a national nonprofi t organization that advocates for older Americans, put together a review team to research the diff erent companies and tubs. Their list of best walk-in bathtubs of 2024 includes: • Best Walk-in Tub Overall: Ella Ultimate Walk-In Tub • Best Walk-in Tub with Shower: Kohler Walk-In Tub with Shower Package • Most Aff ordable Walk-in Tub: Ariel Walkin 3052 Soaker • Best Soaking Tub: American Standard Gelcoat Entry Series • Best Wheelchair-Accessible Tub: Ella Transfer • Best Walk-in Tub for Small Spaces: AmeriGlide Sanctuary 2646 WIT See NCOA.org/adviser/walkin-tubs/best-walk-in-tubs for detailed reviews and product links. To get started, you should contact a few walk-in bathtub retailers who can send a professional to your home to assess your bathroom and give you product options and estimates. Lowe’s and Home Depot also off er free evaluations and a wide range of walk-in tub options. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
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