Dignity in Old Age

We are not equal in old age.

That's the tragic truth.

As equal as we are in human dignity and value in God's sight, some are treated very differently, especially as age limits physical ability.

Some have the advantage of family members who live nearby and can take time to be with them. Some have family with accessible homes who invite them in. Some have family who can ensure they have the best treatment in a senior residence.

Some don't.

Some have the advantage of money to pay for the best care.

Some don't.

In Huron, SD, Medicaid-covered residents at the larger nursing home were two to a room, while others enjoyed single occupancy. When visiting people in nursing homes in Pierre, SD, it is not hard to tell whose care is paid for by Medicaid. Often - not always, but often - that person's circumstances are worse.

For a younger person, we might encourage them to work harder and make more money, but someone well past retirement age? I don't think so.

When it comes to a town's senior residences, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, some are fantastic environments. Some are not.

Caregivers and nursing home staff are well intentioned, work hard, and have so much kindness to share. But when staff are poorly treated or run ragged, residents are going to be poorly served.

We deserve equal dignity in old age. From the Ten Commandments on, God has always affirmed that, and will hold anyone accountable for not treating people with the dignity they deserve.

God commands "honor your father and mother that your days may be long in the land." So what can we do?

1. Live with elderly parents.
A friend of mine and her family moved into her mother's house to care for her in the midst of Parkinson's. That used to be common, but today it's rare. People living farther from parents as well as the economic realities of two income households and more irregular work hours make this harder, and the community (workplaces included) can support families in this. But there's also a cultural shift that needs to happen, and it's going to take bold people giving it a shot.

2. Advocate for elders.
There are some magnificent people who regularly volunteer their time to play music and visit people in nursing homes and assisting living. There ought to be more. Families and the professionals serving people are on the front lines, but the whole community can be invested in their well being.

3. Don't tolerate exploitation.
Exploiting elders for financial gain is an attack on the dignity of vulnerable people. God hates exploitation, and we should hate it too. Where we can, we should drive exploitation out of town, because we don't want that in our community.

Never treat someone with anything less than full human dignity, especially for your own financial gain. Whether in good health or in infirmity, treat elderly parents and all your neighbors with honor.


A version of this article was originally published June 1, 2018 in the Capital Journal.