Caregiving for LGBTQ+ Seniors

LGBT baby boomers, dubbed “the Stonewall Generation,” have faced a lifetime of discrimination. They have lived through turbulent times – a time of fear, a time of secrecy, a time of oppression. And yet, amidst it all, they’ve proven over and over that they will live with courage. They’ve continued to fight for freedom, for rights, for love, and they deserve to live the rest of their lives in peace, comfort, and acceptance.

According to SAGE, a senior advocacy organization, seniors who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are twice more likely to be single and live alone, and four times more likely to be childfree than their non-LGBT peers. This can mean that LGBTQ+ seniors may need to rely on elderly care professionals for both practical and emotional support.

What can we do to help them have access to care, services, and their rights as they age? Let’s learn about the struggles they face as well as ways and resources to provide help.

LGBTQ Struggles in Seeking Care

Legal Recognition of Families of Choice

LGBTQ elders who are estranged from their biological families and have personal experiences of discrimination have higher chances of being more apprehensive of medical and social care providers. They may rely on their “chosen families” like close friends, partners, instead of next of kin. However, these relationships are often unrecognized legally and even socially, which can make it difficult for someone to be identified as a caregiver or access services on their loved one’s behalf.

Likelihood to Access Services

Due to years of discrimination, LGBT older adults are five times less likely to seek medical care or social services than the general public due to decades of stigma and fear of harassment from care providers. Delayed access to medical care or aging services may put their health at greater risk.

Financial Security

LGBTQ seniors face not just health but financial disparity compared to heterosexual adults. They have higher chances of economic insecurity. In fact, one-third of LGBTQ 50+ live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, compared to a quarter of non-LGBTQ people. This impacts their ability to access medication and resources.

How to be a better Care Provider to LGBTQ Seniors

Learn about their history.

Aside from providing support to causes that help in the plight of the LGBTQ community, learning about the LGBTQ+ history draws attention to the history of the social movements that fought against discrimination and oppression towards them, their contributions in history, as well as the key people who have made history in fighting for the community. It’s also an opportunity to build understanding and compassion. And perhaps most importantly, it teaches younger generations that change is not only possible but inevitable and that alliances across all kinds of differences can make a difference.

Pay attention to their needs.

If you’re a care provider to a senior LGBTQ loved one, it is also your responsibility aside from providing practical support to be aware and stay informed about the specific challenges their community is facing. Here are some resources :

- You may watch the Caring for the Stonewall Generation video to learn more about the steps needed to improve care for LGBT older adults.

- The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center focused on improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender older adults, their families and caregivers.

- American Association of Retired Persons or AARP’s LGBTQ Community Caregiving Guide offers practical guidance on developing and putting a caregiving plan in place for an LGBTQ loved one or friend with information on forming a team, finding support, and more.

Don’t minimize their struggles.

LGBTQ seniors have lived through periods of discrimination. This may have resulted in otherness, rejection, and trauma. It’s important to be affirming of their feelings towards their negative experiences because it can go a long way in making them feel safe and comfortable.

Find Supportive and Sensitive Health Care Providers

Entrusting the care of your loved one to other people is a difficult decision. It may even be compounded by fear of disrespectful treatment or discrimination for being LGBT. That is why, it is vital to do some preliminary research on the kind of care or support you need as well as other community resources. Even more importantly, is to discuss it with the person for whom you are providing care to ease their concerns. Great news is that there are respectful, affirming, and inclusive professional care providers – from assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and home care who can help. There are care providers that foster a safe welcoming space for all elders so they can age with the dignity, compassion, and respect they deserve.