Last Updated 2 weeks ago
Marlene, 81, and Charlotte, 77, have been together for 43 years. If one or both of them needs long-term care in the future, their first choice would be getting private in-home care by Marlene’s sister, Vera, but they realize that a skilled nursing facility or assisted living center is always a possibility. Marlene and Charlotte are aware that many LGBT people who came out of the closet go right back in when they need elder care, and like many LGBT couples, they are concerned about their future. Exploring telehealth solutions for seniors at home can provide additional support and peace of mind for Marlene and Charlotte. These solutions allow them to communicate with healthcare providers without leaving the comfort of their living space. As they navigate their options, they feel empowered knowing that modern technology can help maintain their independence and quality of life.
The number of LGBT Americans 65 or older is estimated to be around 1.5 million and is projected to reach at least 3 million by 2030. Baby boomers are bringing huge numbers of people, gay and straight, into retirement in a way our country really hasn’t seen before. The question now is, when seniors who identify themselves as LGBT need long-term care, will they be treated with the same dignity and respect as their straight counterparts? As the population ages, understanding senior care assistance statistics becomes increasingly important. These statistics will shed light on the challenges and needs of LGBT seniors, informing better care practices. Ensuring equitable treatment in long-term care settings is essential for fostering an inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
To help answer this question, six LGBT and senior advocacy groups, in conjunction with the National Senior Citizen’s Law Center, conducted a nationwide study to determine what long-term care was like for LGBT seniors. The study, “LGBT Older Adults in Long-term Care Facilities: Stories from the Field,” suggested that more public education was needed. Challenges for the aging lgbt community can often be overlooked in broader discussions about senior care. With unique experiences and needs, it is crucial to ensure that policies and resources are inclusive and supportive. Advocacy efforts must focus on raising awareness and addressing the distinct barriers faced by these individuals. A landmark ruling for samesex marriage has opened doors for greater equality within the LGBT community. This pivotal decision not only impacts younger generations but also provides hope and validation for LGBT seniors who have long been marginalized. As society evolves, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can access the care and support they deserve.
Of the 769 people who completed the online survey, 284 identified themselves as LGBT older adults and 485 as friends, family members, social or legal service providers or simply “other.”
Many of the comments in the report ranged from staff harassment to refusal of care. One responder commented that “It’s a major challenge. You go into a nursing home or facility, it’s not supposed to mean your civil rights are taken away.”
To educate professional caregivers, staff, and residents about LGBT seniors in assisted-living and nursing homes, a recent film called “Gen Silent” was developed and is being shown in facilities around the country. The film follows the lives of six LGBT seniors who need care but are afraid to ask for help or have few friends or family members to care for them. According to Stu Maddux, the film’s director, “[a]s we watch the challenges that these men and women face, we are offered new hope as each person crosses paths with impassioned people trying to change LGBT aging for the better.”
Whether you are gay or straight, if you haven’t done so, now is the time to get started with planning for your future and for your loved ones! Read our recent blog post about why it is especially important for the LGBT community to plan ahead. We here at The Fairfax and Fredericksburg LGBT Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. have strategies in place to help LGBT couples. With advance planning, each person, regardless of sexual orientation, can retain the benefit of the money, income and assets it has taken a lifetime to accumulate. Learn more at , or call us at our Virginia Elder Law Fairfax office at 703-691-1888 or at our Virginia Elder Law Fredericksburg office at 540-479-1435 to make an appointment for a consultation.
