Policy Paper Assignment (Essay Sample)

Policy Paper Assignment Your Full NameInstitution NameCourse Name and CodeInstructor's NameDue Date Policy Paper Assignment Inadequate support for older adults with disabilities is a major social problem that is seriously faced with a lack of quality of life and access to essential services. Over 30% of Americans aged 65 and older have a disability, and around 50% of those over 75 deal with problems from movement disabilities to cognitive impairments (ADA National Network, n.d.). Despite the presence of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that sets a standard for equity in access, many older people do not have the resources and support systems that are needed and, as a result, are disadvantaged in their lives and their participation in society is limited. Scope and Magnitude of the Problem The issue of lacking proper care for older people with disabilities is extensive and significant, and it represents a large portion of the older population in the U.S. The ADA National Network stated that over 30% of Americans aged 65 and older have disabilities, with the percentage increasing to over 50% among those 75 and older. These disabilities are so many and different from each other, including the loss of mobility, vision, and hearing and malfunctions in brain and cognitive functioning (ADA National Network, n.d.). A report from the CDC declares that mobility impairments are the most widespread ones, and nearly 40% of older adults have a disability problem because of it. Other information coming from the AARP notes that racial and ethnic minorities among the elderly are the most affected groups, often living with multiple challenges due to economic barriers and limited healthcare access (AARP, n.d.). These figures underscore the compelling case for policies and programs that would fill in the gaps and secure a fair distribution of necessary care for the disabled elderly in all communities. Root Causes of the Problem Inadequate support for elderly individuals with disabilities is primarily caused by persistent structural, financial, and social factors that are barriers to care. Lack of government funding for elder care services is one of the main factors that leads to the situation, as the state cannot increase its resources to meet the growing needs of older people. Many elder care programs depend on public funding, but policy priorities and limited societal resources usually direct funds elsewhere. Besides, the issue of the non-accredited caregiver worsens the problem. Low salaries, adverse work conditions, and low benefits are significant obstacles that prevent people from keeping or pursuing a caregiving position. This, in turn, results in a scarcity of caregivers, and thus, older individuals cannot avail themselves of the same sensitive and restorative care. Positive and Negative Effects of the Problem Older people are the only ones who suffer due to the absence of adequate backing for people with disabilities, but society also faces the consequences of it. The old, in a personal way, are the ones who lead a low-quality life due to obstacles to healthcare, personal care, and want of mobility aids, and these turn out to be the reasons for their withdrawal from others, depression, and their health to be worse (CDC, n.d.). Quite commonly, inadequate and unreliable support services for disabled and old individuals can result in the problem of the loss of independence and dignity as elderly adults who need help don't get enough. The situation dissuades them from thoroughly enjoying life. It also has a psychological and physical toll on family members who often take the role of the primary caregivers. The family caregivers who have to assist an old disabled relative with limited resources feel themselves in the most challenging situation. If it is only the family members work, know that the responsibility of taking care of people with disabilities is often so demanding and may lead to the loss of health and working time for the relatives (AARP, n.d.). At the governing level, there is no comprehensive system of support for older people, which in turn contributes to the high healthcare costs and overloads the community systems. Personal Interest and Importance for Policy Attention This matter has been a point of mental involvement for me because I have been directly on the ground of the troubles that are being faced by older adults with disabilities, who have very little help. I have come across many older adults who were unable to access essential services, which led to the loss of their dignity and proper living (NASW, n.d.). Thus, I believe that they are the invisible people and should be taken care of properly in their honor rather than giving people the impression that old age is full of the vulnerabilities and pains of being lonely and the only solution is to find a well-funded program Symbols Associated with the Social Problem Two signs typically connected with elderly incapacity are the disability symbol and the walker or cane. The handicapped parking sticker, usually showing a wheelchair icon, is used as a space indicator for those who have a mobility disability, and it is almost universal. It is to simplify everyday tasks, especially entering buildings, and to use public services more efficiently. This means that society has noticed the physical obstacles that elders with disabilities face daily (ADA National Network, n.d.). This symbol not only indicates the inclusivity of public places but also brings out the problems that still exist, with accessible parking being less in number and unreliable. Along the same lines, the walker or the cane is another easily recognized and potent symbol for aging and disability. Typically shown in media and healthcare environ...