Health Injustice
Dear Caregivers,
One of our nation’s greatest strengths is its diversity, but that comes with a cost, particularly to those who are in minority groups. Some of that cost comes from socioeconomic conditions, as minorities often have less access to health care, education, and healthy living conditions.
Whatever the burdens, when it comes to Alzheimer’s the results are devastating. African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s; Hispanic Americans are about one and a half times more likely to get the disease.
Caregivers for minority patients suffering from Alzheimer’s are further burdened by structural issues in the healthcare system, including language barriers, lack of culturally appropriate educational materials, and an overall unfamiliarity with navigating a complex medical system, which leads to later diagnoses and under-utilization of health resources.
Here at NAN we are committed to advancing Alzheimer’s care for everyone, so please reach out to your Navigator for help in your journey.
Meanwhile progress is being made nationwide in getting minority caregivers the support they need, including training healthcare providers on the specific needs of minorities, developing culturally appropriate learning resources, and expanding translator services.
Other resources you might explore include:
African American Network Against Alzheimer's
Latino Alzheimer's & Memory Disorders Alliance
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA)
Finding your Caregiving Village:
There is a lot we can all learn from each other as we endure our individual journeys as caregivers. There are some needs and feelings that are universal and learning how others manage and navigate can often be hugely comforting. Here’s how to find your caregiving village.
Getting to Know Your Caregiving Village:
Identifying and engaging with a medical team that you can count on can make a big difference for you and your loved one. Here is an overview of the types of healthcare professionals you may want to seek out as part of your “caregiving village”.
Communicating with Your Caregiving Village:
As the primary advocate for your loved one, you need to feel confident and comfortable adding your voice to the conversations about their care. Here’s how to communicate with your healthcare providers.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhuman.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
