2 Challenges Elderly Black Patients Face in Retirement Communities - And How to Help
Retirement communities are an invaluable resource in providing a safe, secure, and comfortable living environment for the elderly. However, Black seniors often face unique challenges when living in these retirement communities. In this blog post, courtesy of Senior Helpers Santa Barbara, we will look at some of the specific issues faced by Black seniors in retirement homes and discuss how they can be addressed to ensure that all residents receive quality healthcare, services, and the support they need to enjoy a positive aging experience.
Challenges Faced by Black Elderly Residents
Research has shown that African Americans are more likely than other demographic groups to suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension. As a result, many Black retirees already have health complications before entering retirement communities which require specialized care not always available within those facilities. This can leave fragile seniors with limited ability or access to medical help, which could place them in vulnerable situations.
Lack of Access To Quality Healthcare
In addition to factors outside the community like poverty levels diminishing chances of receiving adequate treatment, Black seniors might also feel culturally disconnected from staff members who don't share similar backgrounds, resulting in less favorable outcomes for those individuals. This may be preventing approval of treatments, and even leave seniors feeling as though they can't receive the quality healthcare that they deserve.
Limited Access to Resources
The lack of access isn't restricted only to healthcare but also systems of education and information. Considering that African Americans might be disproportionately represented in lower-income families, they may encounter difficulty in participating in or accessing programs designed to promote healthy outcomes or coping mechanisms specifically tailored for older adults.
Strategies to Help Black Elderly Seniors
As specialists focused on providing senior home care in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Ventura, and Ojai, Senior Helpers meets many retirees from all walks of life. We recognize the unique challenge elderly black seniors face and have some tips to help provide them with the quality healthcare they deserve while increasing access to resources essential to aging gracefully:
Provide Access to Quality Healthcare
One way to address systemic bias is by developing relationships between medical providers and insurance companies to ensure easy implementation of medically necessary services such as mobility devices or doctor appointments; as well as offering retired individuals assistance with navigating health forms. This level of commitment along with education regarding proper treatment options can make a lasting difference when it comes time to receive healthcare away from mainstream systems.
Increase Access to Resources
Knowing that many Black seniors might have a hard time finding access to good resources, it is essential that caregivers provide support and encouragement. This can involve offering guidance with filing insurance or other paperwork, or even providing support during doctor visits.
Senior Helpers Provides Premium Care Solutions
The needs of older Black adults are very different from any other group so supporting them requires special attention. It's essential that caregivers take all factors into account when working with their senior clients. This is why at Senior Helpers Santa Barbara, our team works diligently to provide custom senior care for every individual in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Ventura, and Ojai areas. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer!