Older adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
intersex and asexual (LGBTQ+) are twice as likely as older
heterosexuals to be single and live alone and four times less
likely to have children, according to research from SAGE, an
advocacy and social service organization focused on LGBTQ+
elders. That means they’re less likely to have the traditional
sources of family and caregiver support on which many older
adults rely.
Many LGBTQ+ people are estranged from family and rely on their
family of choice to provide care for them. Getting
supportive medical care is another hurdle. They do not feel like
they are being heard by health care practitioners. They feel as
if their concerns are not taken seriously and are dismissed,
poor customer service is also an issue. All of this is
problematic — three in ten people avoid getting medical
attention when they needed it.
For all these reasons and more, providing and arranging care for
older and disabled loved ones who are LGBTQ presents unique
challenges, including ensuring that medical and long-term care
services are respectful, affirming and inclusive and that legal
documents are in place for caregivers from outside the immediate
family to carry out health care and end-of-life plans.
To help, here are some resources for finding LGBTQ+-friendly
care and support.