Wheelchair friendly towns in N Alabama (Atmore, Arab: real estate, property taxes, homes)

[Blind Bruce]

My wife was born in Arab many MANY years ago. We now live in Canada and the winters are really hard on us. I am in a wheelchair and need to know a few things that seem unimportant at first but are very important to me.
Are there curb cuts in the sidewalks at the corners so I won't fall?
Is there any "home care" to assist us getting up and going to bed?
Wife remembers that people over 65 do not pay real estate taxes in Al. Is this still true?
If not Arab, what is a good city for us? (retired)
Bruce in the Peg

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by Blind Bruce

My wife was born in Arab many MANY years ago. We now live in Canada and the winters are really hard on us. I am in a wheelchair and need to know a few things that seem unimportant at first but are very important to me.
Are there curb cuts in the sidewalks at the corners so I won't fall?
Is there any "home care" to assist us getting up and going to bed?
Wife remembers that people over 65 do not pay real estate taxes in Al. Is this still true?
If not Arab, what is a good city for us? (retired)
Bruce in the Peg

Bruce, the real estate tax exemptions are if you are under a certain income level. There are lots of agencies that offer home health services, but I doubt there is much public money to pay for it. Medicare money is probably very limited, too. As everywhere, new construction offers accessibility, but older towns, I'm not so sure about. I would urge you to make an extended visit to truly assess whether or not the move would be good for you. You know the weather would be better, so that's a start!
I wish you much luck in your search...we'd love to welcome you!

[Threestep]

Before looking at small but important details you may want to look into some legal issues.
Is your wife still a US citizen and can she sponsor you if you are not?
If you are drawing retirement/disability - will 100% of it be paid if you relocate to the US?
Will you and your wife be eligible for medical insurance (Medicare/Medicaid) or will you have to purchase coverage?

[Keeper]

There aren't any 55+ communities here in Arab, although there is a small assisted living place. There are a lot of homes with ramps and shopping centers are handicap accessible. Home health care is available, or at least ppl advertising they provide home health care.

Homes are very reasonable here to buy and property taxes are low compared to many places even without being 65.

I agree you need to know about health care insurance.

Any other questions I will be glad to answer regarding Arab.

[RickyFang]

what i could say is good luck for your searching

[Blind Bruce]

Thanks to all who replyed. We both still have our American citizenships and would NEVER give them up. Wife nas complete Medicare as she only came to Canada a few years ago. I have Medicare for hospital only ( they sent me the card when I turned 65) I do not know if I can still get the medicare coverage for doctors and drugs. (the legal kind)
We both draw pensions from the social security and I also have a Canadian one. I need to check that one out. Thanks

[Southlander]

From my experience with my mom, Medicare covers doctors. However, not all doctors take Medicare. Medicare does NOT cover drugs. You can get the drug insurance through the Medicare Web site, but YOU pay for the insurance and YOU pay for the remaining drug costs.
Medicare does offer an amount for either a scooter OR wheelchair OR lift chair. Some other equipment costs are covered. I don't think it covers home health visits, but don't really know...we never had to do that.

[southernnaturelover]

The town I live in (Atmore) is in the process of installing new walkways that slope at the corners for wheelchairs. It's pretty much being done on a street by street basis though, and probably also as the budget allows. They are also putting in new fire hydrants and water lines, so I guess they figured they would do it all at the same time.

[Keeper]

I was downtown this afternoon for the Polk Salat Festival and checked the sidewalks. They are wheelchair accessible. Of course, there isn't a lot downtown but they are working on improving it.

What else do you want to know..

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by Blind Bruce

My wife was born in Arab many MANY years ago. We now live in Canada and the winters are really hard on us. I am in a wheelchair and need to know a few things that seem unimportant at first but are very important to me.
Are there curb cuts in the sidewalks at the corners so I won't fall?
Is there any "home care" to assist us getting up and going to bed?
Wife remembers that people over 65 do not pay real estate taxes in Al. Is this still true?
If not Arab, what is a good city for us? (retired)
Bruce in the Peg

I see now that you asked about north Alabama. That's way out of my territory.