Significant disparities exist in senior living and care, but policymakers and lawmakers can eliminate a bias toward institutional care, such as care provided in nursing homes, by focusing on equity in home- and community-based services for older adults, according to a new paper from Justice in Aging.
“Institutional bias in long-term care often forces older adults and people with disabilities into institutions, rather than enabling them to age at home — an option many prefer,” the authors wrote. “Those who face structural inequities based on intersecting identities are more likely to be institutionalized.”
The paper, “Fulfilling the Promise of Equity for Older Adults — Opportunities in Law & Policy,” also examines structural ageism and how law and policy can address inequities that are based on race, gender or LGBTQ+ identity.
