Senior Helpers is proud to strive towards health equity and help members of our communities stay healthy, regardless of age. For those new to the topic, it's important to understand what health equity is and why it's such a beneficial way to make a positive contribution.
Read on for a closer look at what makes health equity important and how seniors can get involved.
What is Health Equity?
Health equity refers to the absence of disparities in preventive care, access, diagnosis, as well as treatments for different populations. The goal is for all people to have equal opportunities to stay healthy, regardless of their age, gender, or race.
In fact, it goes beyond fairness. It means dedicated resources for those who are most at-risk and creating social service infrastructure that addresses their needs efficiently.
Why is Health Equity Important?
Without access to adequate healthcare and preventive care services, seniors are put at an even greater risk of medical complications. For families already struggling with economic disadvantages, health equity can be greatly beneficial. It enables them to access assistance programs, quality education, as well as necessary treatments when they need them.
Ultimately, ensuring that all people have equal access to the same resources helps create a healthier future for everyone involved.
Identifying Health Equity Issues in Your Community
To get an up-close look at issues in your area, begin by researching what's already being done to address them. What programs and services are available? Who is working towards improving access and care for seniors in the community? Use local news sources or visit city hall meetings to learn more about current efforts happening in your area.
Once you've gathered information from key sources like census data or epidemiologic studies, you can start to monitor progress within your community and across different organizations. This also allows you to pinpoint any disparities that exist between demographics. This can include income level, gender identity, race, or access points that might be negatively impacting health equity opportunities.
4 Ways to Support Local Health Equity
Once you understand what health equity is and have a better grasp of how it may or may not already be addressed in your community, it's time to make difference. Here are four ways to support local health equity:
1. Donate to Local Organizations
Donating to local organizations or programs that promote health equity is a great way to provide support. Whether done in monetary form or through donations of food, clothing, and other necessary items, seniors can make an immediate difference for those who are living with challenges like limited financial security.
2. Volunteer Your Time
Seniors can spend time volunteering at events that promote healthy behaviors and raise awareness of health disparities in their community. Volunteering provides a direct impact on those who need it most while building their own understanding of the challenges people face when accessing care and resources.
3. Participate in Community Events
Supporting and attending local events helps amplify positive health messaging around preventing illness and promoting better self-care practices. This is especially important for aging populations who may be more susceptible to age-related diseases. This can also help build bridges between individuals within different demographics while increasing collaboration among different organizations working towards improving healthcare access issues.
4. Join or Create a Local Coalition
Different non-profits create coalitions in their communities where members work together by sharing best practices for addressing specific needs based on individual family concerns across all cultural backgrounds—making sure no one goes unheard or underserved when it comes to personal healthcare issues requiring attention.
Senior Helpers of Greenwood & South Indianapolis is Leading the Way Toward Health Equity
Senior Helpers of Greenwood & South Indianapolis remains steadfast in its mission to provide safe and compassionate care to seniors in Indianapolis, Greenwood, Columbus, Martinsville, Franklin, and Marion County.
The elderly members of our community deserve to age with dignity and have access to the medical and social care that will help them do so. Please contact us if you'd like to learn more about our services.