Understanding the difficulties older Black Americans face with long-term care.

Norma Upshaw needed special care at home, but her family couldn't find a good place for her to live. Her granddaughter ended up building an apartment onto her house because there were no good options nearby.

Many older people need help with daily tasks, and while assisted living facilities can help, Black Americans are less likely to use them. Instead, they are more likely to live in nursing homes, which provide more care but offer less independence.

There are many reasons for this difference, including cost, location of facilities, and personal preferences. This means that some Black Americans might miss out on living in a supportive community while keeping some independence.

Assisted living can be expensive, and many Black Americans cannot afford it. Even when housing costs are subsidized, the care itself can still be too expensive for some.

While cost is a major factor, researchers believe there are other reasons why Black Americans might choose different care options. More research is needed to understand these reasons and ensure everyone has access to the best care possible.