Introduction: Culture is extremely important to African-American communities for recognition as a group (self-identity) and promotion of self-esteem, values and morales within our society. Religion and faith in God are part of the dominating elements of the African-American culture resulting in most of our poor elderly persons turning over their health needs and issues to God. This forum will examine how to utilize the strengths of our culture in providing health education and improved accessibility to our health care. Hopefully strategies that will be discussed will assist elderly African-Americans in dealing with the disparities within our health care system.
Methodology: Elderly African-Americans in area nursing homes will be interviewed and data will be analyzed and discussed at the presentation.
Importance: The presentation will offer strategies to health care providers and families on the special health needs of the elderly African-Americans and the cultural implications. Also, the existing disparities will be discussed so that providers become aware of the issues and hopefully begin to formulate responsive measures to bridge the gaps.
Learning Objectives: 1. Particpants will be able to identify cultural issues that impact on the health of elderly African-Americans 2. Participants will also be able to identify disparities that exist within elderly African-Americans in seeking services within our health care system. 3. Strategies needed to bridge the gap in disparities will also be identified by participants
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.