Not So Random Thought, #1: The Black Elderly: How to Care For Them

In my last blog regarding the Black clergy, I mentioned building our community. I decided to do some brainstorming, and was able to come up with a taste of what we can create.

It is ideal to keep our elderly at home and take care until they die. But thanks to our busy lives, it may not be likely for a lot of us to do it. As a result, we keep them in nursing homes. Unfortunately, nursing homes can be dreary and be seen as a place to die.  

As we build up our own communities, we should definitely keep the elderly in mind. My suggestion is building nursing homes that look like small towns. Include shopping, movie theatres, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Have it ran by personnel who are trained to deal with issues like dementia and alzheimer's. This can make it easier for you to visit your loved one, and it'll still allow them to keep their freedom. The grandkids won't be bored and tired of visiting. It'll be like a night on the town for the whole family, and they can get the care they need at the same time. If the home is made affordable for the family, then it can be a really good option. This is where the church comes in again. If the nursing homes could work with Medicaid/Medicare to provide medications, then it would lessen the financial burden on those who have paid for the home in the first place. And if your elderly member receives SNAP, then the grocery store could take full advantage of that. As a result, you get cheap accommodations, and independence for your loved one.

This is just a start. There are more ideas to come.