Whereas, the health care needs in the form of basic custodial care for some of these elderly citizens will likewise expand; and
Whereas, individuals, families, and governmental bodies all incur a great and growing expense for this basic care; and the continuing ability to provide such care cannot be taken for granted; and
Whereas, the ongoing expense for this type of care could potentially bankrupt individuals, families, and the nation as a whole; and
Whereas, there is potential for conflict in providing for the health care needs of the elderly and the available workers whose tax dollars will be used to pay for such services; and
Whereas, present cost-cutting proposals and measures could mean fewer services and poor quality of care for the elderly population; and
Whereas, the people providing such care in institutional settings such as nursing homes are among the lowest paid workers in America; and
Whereas, the profit margins of some institutions are razor thin; and the needs of elderly residents compete with the needs of investors for a profit; and
Whereas, many so-called nursing homes are no more than warehouses for large numbers of crippled bodies; and
Whereas, in many instances the elderly resident of such an institution has survived most family members and has only a church body to visit or to express concern on his or her behalf; and
Whereas, Jesus has called his church to action on behalf of the weakest members of society (Matthew 25:34-40); and
Whereas, faith without works is dead (James 2:14-18); and
Whereas, there are potential curses for a church body for not responding to a need that is within our ability to alleviate (Matthew 25:41-46; Revelation 3:15-16);
Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church will endeavor to:
Pray for God's guidance in this and all areas of ministry;
Undertake a timely, thorough study of the need for and provision of health care services to the growing elderly population;
Identify and publicize programs and institutions that seem to be successfully meeting the needs of elderly individuals and groups, with the idea that such successful approaches can be copied by others in their communities;
Focus locally upon the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of nursing home residents and the home-bound elderly, encouraging new or expanded services at the local church level;
Explore the need for and development of new approaches in health care delivery that provide quality care at reasonable cost for the elderly, their families and friends, and society as a whole;
Research the potential for and promote the development of new technologies to help debilitated elderly individuals meet their basic needs for cleanliness, safety, and comfort at a reasonable cost while promoting job security and enhanced status for the health care workers directly helping the elderly;
Mobilize the vast resources of United Methodist individuals, groups, and institutions to this end.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22490-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference