Black Elders Deserve the Right to High-Quality Health Care
PRINCIPLE #8 OF THE BLACK ELDERING BILL OF RIGHTS
Historical, institutional, and interpersonal anti-Black racial bias is knowingly entrenched throughout the mental and health care system. Entering into a healthcare setting having to combat personal health concerns alongside feelings of being dismissed is exhausting, debilitating, and potentially life threatening. To that end, Black Elders deserve the right to reparatory remedies to ensure that they are receiving just, equitable, and high-quality care that is consistent with the tenets and mandates of the Hippocratic Oath.
Black Elders deserve to be heard, respected, trusted, and compassionately received when interacting with health and mental health providers and professionals.
Black Elders deserve the right to have access to networks of culturally informed, responsive, and affirming providers and facilities that honor the lived experiences and medical needs of Black Elders, including care from gerontologists, geriatricians, social workers, and licensed mental health professionals who specialize in promoting the overall wellbeing of older adults.
Black Elders deserve to be cared for by providers and professionals who acknowledge and honor the role faith and spirituality plays in fostering their optimal physical and mental wellbeing.
Black Elders deserve to be advised of holistic, alternative, and complementary therapies so they can make fully informed decisions related to their health, healing, and wellbeing.
Black Elders deserve to have access to culturally competent and responsive Geriatric Care Managers or Elder Care Community Health Advocates who can accompany them in healthcare settings to ensure they receive the appropriate care that they need and seek.
