Thanks to the COM352 students for contributing a bunch of new pages! I'll be moving these pages into the main area of the wiki soon.

From UMassWiki

I believe that elderly people in this country are not treated as well as they should be. The custom course of action in American society when a parent or grandparent gets too old to care for themselves, is to place them in a nursing home. What is this? A beloved family member that we have known our entire lives is not good enough to come live with us in our own homes, for the simple fact that they need a little help. For most of us, these people have given us so much in our lives, and the least that we owe them is to give them the shelter, love, and care that they gave us. Perhaps it’s just a lot easier to stick them in a home surrounded by a bunch of strangers. This normality is the wrong choice. Sure, there are probably many exceptions to this. Kind hearted people who bring their old folk in with them, but exceptions aren’t good enough. Some may argue that they work all day, there just isn’t enough room in the house, or I already have my hands full with the kids. To these people I say to hell with you. Make it work. I’m sure there is a way. These debilitated people may have several children and or grandchildren that have the resources, and could take them in, but may not have their mind right. It’s my opinion that the elderly are the wisest and most knowledgeable people in our world, and deserve to be treated like it. Although they may not be able to get around as easy, and are not able to operate motor vehicles anymore, doesn’t mean that we should treat them like an outdated piece of furniture, or a beat up old baseball glove to be thrown in the attic for storage. In a way nursing homes are the attics, basements, garages, and any other storage areas we use for our old folk, and its just wrong.

If you can recall that beat up old baseball glove that sits in your attic, the day you got it. Oh, how wonderful it was. A prized possession that helped you out and that you made full and complete use of. Well, that elderly person you throw in “storage” is still as wonderful and useful as before, even though many can not realize it. The truth is that these elderly people are more than just old possessions. They are the loved ones that have given us life, love, and have guided the nation through the past years to bring us about where we are today. If people can look at this and see the big picture, then perhaps they can understand the wrongs of their ways. The children are our future. The elderly are our past. Of course our children must be raised and treated well by our citizens to ensure that they grow and prosper as productive well rounded individuals to ensure a desirable future. This theory goes hand in hand with our elderly. If middle aged people can wake up to the reality that their elderly are the ones they have to thank for the safe and productive world they live in, then perhaps family in the true sense of the word will continue to prosper. It’s flesh and blood people. Another reason that nursing homes can be a poor choice is the actual care received in these homes. It is known that there is an increasing number of cases in the U.S. that involve elderly abuse. Mistreatment of elderly in these homes include physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, food and water deprivation, neglect, as well as financial abuse. The evil people who conduct this abuse have true problems and don’t deserve and should not be in the position they are. There are surely good people who occupy these positions, but why would one want to take the risk of having a loved one mistreated because some fool doesn’t like their job.

It is to my knowledge that the elderly in other various countries are respected and treated far better than in our country. Elderly members of the family continue to live with their families until their death. This custom is age old and perhaps for a reason. The mothers and fathers are treated like any other member of the family in their old age. Known to be a source of wisdom and experience, having an old person around can help through trials and tribulations. With the elderly’s experience, they have seen so much in their lives, and could provide an ample amount of input to any conflict that may arise. As people go through their own lives they can’t help but envision the years to come. After all we will all be old and elderly someday. If one can look into the future and wonder about what will become of themself , and how they will be treated by their family, then perhaps they would have more consideration for their elder family members. After all, we are as only good as our weakest link. If placed in their position I believe the tables would turn quite a bit. I don’t think anyone has hopes or admiration to be placed in a home,. Nor does anyone think they will ever. For elderly people, they can only hope that the care they gave their children and grandchildren will carry on to them. As for now, eyes need to be opened and actions must be made, because ultimately treatment of the elderly in our country is not what it should be.