NEW YORK — Two bipartisan House bills will hopefully do a bit more to keep seniors safe, whether in their homes or in nursing care.

In October, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado announced “Keeping Seniors Safe from COVID-19 Through Home Design,” and the Senior Accessible Housing Act.

Keeping Seniors Safe calls for a study on controlling the spread of communicable diseases in long-term care facilities. COVID-19 has killed at least 70,000 people in nursing homes and similar places, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

The study would look at ways to pay for improvements using federal housing assistance and mortgage insurance. For those seniors who might be able to live at home, the accessible housing bill would offer a tax credit to cover 100 percent of the costs of any modifications needed. Safety for older Americans often demands changes like grab bars, wheelchair ramps and walk-in tubs, which will allow them to live independently.

“Many seniors would prefer to live independently, but there are certain practical factors that often prevent families from accessing this option. I am proud to join in introducing the Senior Accessible Housing Act,” said Delgado. “These measures will help keep more seniors safe and comfortable at home, which is increasingly important as folks endure isolation from their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.”