Having spent nearly half my life in the home care field—beginning as a caregiver, then a nurse, and now as the owner of Care Indeed—I have witnessed the profound impact that care, or the lack thereof, has on individuals and families. My journey has been one of transformation, shaped by hard-earned lessons in leadership, responsibility, and the realities of an industry that is as rewarding as it is complex.
Recently, my return to academia forced me to confront an uncomfortable truth: as a society, we often contribute—whether knowingly or not—to the very barriers that prevent equitable, dignified care. Bias, particularly unconscious bias, is one of the most insidious obstacles standing in the way of a truly inclusive and compassionate approach to care. It is shaping our perceptions, influencing our decisions, and creating disparities that we must no longer ignore.
The Impact of Bias on Aging and Care Provision
How do we perceive aging? Do we see older adults as capable and autonomous, or do we, even unintentionally, assume they are fragile, incapable, or burdensome? These unconscious beliefs lead to learned helplessness, where older adults internalize society’s limiting perceptions and begin to disengage. When we treat aging as a period of decline rather than a continued contribution, we diminish the voices and experiences of those who have spent decades shaping our world.
At Care Indeed, we refuse to accept this outdated narrative. Aging is not a loss of value—it is a deep reservoir of wisdom, experience, and perspective. Rather than sidelining older adults, we must create pathways for engagement, leadership, and meaningful participation. When we recognize their continued significance, we shift the conversation from dependence to empowerment.
Bias in Healthcare: An Unspoken Crisis
Bias is not just a social issue; it is a systemic challenge deeply embedded in healthcare. I have seen firsthand how cultural, racial, and gender biases—often unintentional—impact decision-making, access to resources, and even the leadership opportunities available within our field. Affinity bias—the subconscious preference for those who share our backgrounds or perspectives—further narrows the diversity of thought needed for truly person-centered care.
These biases, whether overt or subtle, have real consequences. They dictate who gets heard, who gets prioritized, and who gets the opportunity to lead. And in an industry where advocacy can mean the difference between dignity and neglect, we cannot afford to let bias dictate who receives the highest quality of care. Addressing this requires more than passive awareness—it demands active commitment to challenging our assumptions, diversifying our leadership, and ensuring that inclusivity is not just an ideal but a standard.
The Cost of Silence
Through my years in this field, one truth has become painfully clear: silence is complicity. Ignoring these biases, excusing them as harmless, or allowing them to persist unchallenged means we are choosing to normalize a system that does not fully serve the dignity of older adults or the integrity of those who care for them.
Challenging bias is not easy. It requires us to examine our own blind spots, to ask hard questions, and to be willing to change—not just in theory, but in action. If we want to build a society where aging is respected, where care is equitable, and where all individuals—regardless of background—are valued for their contributions, we must be willing to do the work.
This is not just a moral responsibility—it is an urgent call to action. I ask you to join me and Care Indeed in this effort. Let’s confront bias, transform the way we approach aging and care, and build a future that reflects the dignity, respect, and inclusivity that every individual deserves.
Because the well-being of our aging population—and the future of our society—depends on it.
