Black Elders Deserve the Right to Determine Their Ancestral Path and End-of-Life Care
PRINCIPLE #9 OF THE BLACK ELDERING BILL OF RIGHTS
In life, sickness, and death, Black Elders have the right to choose their path and gateway into our ancestral journey. However similar, the transition of life is a unique experience. The end-of-life journey can be an agonizing and isolating experience, even for those with an abundance of faith, friendship, community, and familial support. However, it can also be a season of peace and acceptance. As long as they do not bring harm to others, Black Elders deserve to live out their lives in accordance with their needs, desires, and beliefs.
Black Elders deserve to have their end-of-life wishes and decision-making respected to the fullest extent possible, feasible, and safe. At the same time, Black Elders have the responsibility to prepare and codify their advanced care planning documents so that family, friends, and loved ones have the direction and guidance to honor their autonomy and support their end-of-life care journeys.
Black Elders reserve the right to select a medical and care team that recognizes and supports their healthcare decision-making. Even as time passes and abilities wane, Black Elders deserve the opportunity to bring their full selves to bear as they transition from independence, to interdependence, to dependence, and over into the ancestral plane.
