Family is the Foundation of Amish Elder Care
The cornerstone of how the Amish take care of their elderly is the multi-generational family unit. The concept of sending older relatives to an institutional retirement facility is virtually nonexistent within Amish communities. Instead, the elderly continue to live among their children and grandchildren, with family members taking on the primary caregiving roles as needed. This practice is rooted in their religious beliefs and cultural values, which emphasize family loyalty and responsibility. Grandparents are not seen as a burden but as revered and respected members of the household, continuing to offer wisdom and guidance.
The Dawdy Haus: Multi-Generational Housing
A unique and prominent feature of Amish elder care is the dawdy haus, a German-derived term meaning "grandpa house" or "grandma house". When a couple retires from the primary operation of the family farm or business, the main home is passed down to one of their children, often the eldest son. A separate, smaller dwelling or an attached addition is then built for the elderly parents to live in. This arrangement, also called a Grossdaadi Haus in some communities, ensures privacy for both generations while keeping the family physically close. The dawdy haus system allows elders to age in place, remain on familiar land, and stay connected to their daily family life.
Transition of Responsibility: The "Slowing Down" Period
Instead of a sudden retirement, Amish life features a gradual "slowing down" period that often begins in a person's late forties or fifties. During this transition, a husband and wife will pass on the demanding, day-to-day responsibilities of the farm or family business to the next generation. While they take a step back from the strenuous labor, they don't cease to be productive members of the community. They shift to more advisory roles and continue contributing in less physically taxing ways. For example, a grandfather might help with lighter farm duties or woodworking, while a grandmother continues quilting and helping with childcare. This continued productivity maintains their sense of purpose and dignity in old age.
Community Support: When Family Needs Assistance
While the immediate family is the primary support system, the larger Amish community plays a crucial role when the level of care needed exceeds what the family can provide. When an elder becomes seriously ill or infirm, the church district steps in to offer support. This communal assistance is a deeply embedded cultural expectation, not a matter of charity.
Here are some ways the community provides support:
- Assigned Caregivers: The Bishop or other elders may "assign" community women to assist the family with household chores, cooking, and direct care for the elder.
- Financial Assistance: Since the Amish do not rely on commercial insurance or government aid, medical expenses are often covered by the community. Families will willingly donate money, and larger financial needs are sometimes met through communal decisions or auctions.
- Emotional and Spiritual Support: The community provides a strong network of emotional and spiritual support, visiting the sick and offering prayers. This communal care model ensures no one is left to face hardship alone.
Comparison of Amish vs. Modern Elder Care
The Amish approach to aging offers a stark contrast to the modern, secularized model of elder care prevalent in mainstream society. This comparison highlights the core differences in values and priorities regarding the elderly.
| Feature | Amish Elder Care | Modern Elder Care |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Elders age in place, staying in the family home or a nearby dawdy haus. | Often involves institutional settings like nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care facilities. |
| Primary Caregiver | Immediate and extended family members, with the community providing additional support. | Professional, paid caregivers; family members may also assist, but are often limited by work schedules. |
| Social Support | Constant, close-knit family and community interaction. Elders are central to daily life. | Social connections can become isolated, especially in institutional settings, though some facilities offer activities. |
| Sense of Purpose | Elders continue to contribute actively through advisory roles, sharing wisdom, and performing lighter work. | Retirement often signifies a withdrawal from the workforce, with purpose sometimes derived from hobbies or facility activities. |
| Financial Model | Community and family-funded, rejecting commercial insurance or government-funded programs. | Primarily funded by insurance, government programs (Medicare/Medicaid), and personal savings. |
| End-of-Life Decisions | More accepting of divine providence and less inclined toward extraordinary, costly medical interventions. | Often pursue aggressive, life-extending medical treatments regardless of cost or prognosis. |
Conclusion
For the Amish, taking care of their elderly is a fundamental expression of their faith and community values, not a task to be delegated to professionals. Through the dawdy haus system, the "slowing down" period, and a robust network of communal support, elders are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of daily life. This approach ensures that the elderly remain respected and active, contributing members of their families and community until the end of their lives. While their model may not be universally replicable for non-Amish societies, it offers valuable lessons on the importance of family, community, and the dignity of aging in place.
Optional Outbound Link: For further reading on the societal context of Amish practices, including health, see the Elizabethtown College Amish Studies website: Amish Studies
The Role of Community and Faith
The Amish worldview, grounded in faith and a rejection of individualism, shapes every aspect of their elder care. The concept of "bearing one another's burdens," as described in Galatians 6:2, is a practical principle applied daily. This extends beyond financial aid to include hands-on care, emotional comfort, and logistical support. By relying on each other rather than government aid or commercial entities, the Amish reinforce their interdependence and strong community bonds. For example, when a single Amish woman or a couple with grown children operates a business, other members often assist with various tasks. This social structure guarantees that even those with smaller families have a broad support system in place.
Dignity and Respect for Elders
Amish culture affords deep respect to the elderly, valuing them for their life experience and wisdom. This reverence is expressed in numerous ways, from seeking their counsel on family and church matters to actively involving them in the raising of grandchildren. Grandparents are often seen surrounded by their grandchildren, passing on traditions, stories, and practical skills like quilting or woodworking. This constant engagement combats the isolation that many modern seniors experience. By keeping elders close and continuously involved, the Amish ensure they feel loved, valued, and essential to the family unit, fostering a high quality of life throughout their later years.
