Ageism in healthcare is a troubling reality for many older adults, often affecting the quality of care they receive and their overall well-being. From dismissive attitudes to inadequate treatment options, the impact of age-related bias can be profound. Fortunately, laws like the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 exist to safeguard seniors’ rights, ensuring they are treated with dignity and fairness in programs or activities that receive federal funding.
At SCC Legal, we are committed to advocating for the rights of older adults and their families. With over 40 years of experience in elder law, we provide personalized legal solutions, whether it’s drafting an advanced healthcare directive, navigating Medicaid planning, or addressing age-related discrimination. In this article, we explore the roots of ageism in healthcare, its consequences, and actionable ways to combat it.
What is Age Discrimination in Healthcare?
The National Institute of Aging (NIH) states that the term “ageism” was first used in 1969 by Robert N. Butler, M.D., a renowned American physician and the first director of the NIH. But what is age discrimination in healthcare? It is a form of discrimination where patients don’t receive the same level of care as an average person would, simply due to their age. This could take the form of dismissing or ignoring treatable concerns that would be checked out immediately in younger patients.
Causes of Ageism in the Healthcare Industry
Ageism is rooted in a lack of knowledge and training, stereotyping, and prejudice. Millions of senior adults use the healthcare system, but very little time is allocated to studying and understanding this patient group during medical training. Our society applies generalizations to older people that are not necessarily correct. People also have internal prejudices towards aging, which influences their treatment of senior adults seeking healthcare services.
What are Some Examples of Age Discrimination in Healthcare?
Older patients are under- or over treated by doctors who mistake acute medical conditions for normal aging. Avoidable pain, depression, and anxiety are ignored rather than treated. Doctors and other medical professionals don’t discuss memory loss with patients, limiting early treatment for dementia. Older adults are not included in clinical trials. Doctors attribute bruises to medication side effects rather than possible elder mistreatment.
How to Reduce Ageism in Healthcare
An article by the American Medical Association (AMA) highlights that the industry is aware of the impact of ageism on patients. It also states that older physicians experience age discrimination. How can you reduce ageism in healthcare? Understand your rights are under laws such as the Older Americans Act (OAA) and other legislation. Draw up a Living Will (advanced healthcare directive) to be clear about your preferences when you are physically or mentally unable to make healthcare decisions. Speak up about healthcare discrimination when you experience it. Seek legal advice when necessary.
For more information on areas of elder law, estate planning, and guardianship in NJ, or if you want to discuss protecting yourself or a loved one against ageism in healthcare, please contact our team at SCC Legal today or visit us at: https://www.scclegal.com/