Older Black Lesbians’ Needs and Expectations in Relation to Long-Term Care Facility Use

Abstract

There is a dearth of long-term care research that focuses on the expectations and experiences of older sexual minority (SM) adults. That research dwindles further when examining subgroups within that population such as older Black lesbians. The purpose of this study was to explore older Black lesbians’ needs and expectations in relation to the utilization of long-term care (LTC) facilities. We conducted secondary data analysis using data from 14 focus groups that discussed health and aging with older Black lesbians. Transcriptions were analyzed in NVivo using deductive content analysis and structural coding. Three themes were identified in relation to needs and expectations for LTC facility use: (1) consideration or established plans to utilize a LTC facility, (2) concern for care facility environment, and (3) a desire to build one’s own community. These findings illustrate how older Black lesbians are planning for a potential need for LTC, their concerns about utilizing LTC, and alternative approaches to avoid LTC use. There remains a continued need for LTC communities that are inclusive and supportive of SM older adults as well as more SM-only communities where older adults can live openly and authentically.

Long‐term care planning and the influencing factors among sexual minority older women: A qualitative study

“…Most reported long-term care plans that included housing and institutions, private medical or long-term care insurance, financial planning and medical decisions. Previous studies conducted with older lesbians in the United States reported similar findings (Hash & Netting, 2007;Lowers, 2017;Singleton et al, 2022). In Taiwan, there is no LGBT or…”

“…Some older black lesbians expressed plans of moving to a long-term care facility (e.g. a nursing home or an assisted living facility) when they were no longer able to care for themselves (Singleton et al, 2022).…”

“…lack of SM sensitivity) and staff (e.g. lack of training; Fasullo et al, 2022;Singleton et al, 2022), and lack of adequate or suitable long-term care resources (Butler, 2017(Butler, , 2018Singleton et al, 2022) during older adulthood or factors associated with their long-term care plans. Long-term care planning can protect SM individuals and their partners in the future (Caceres et al, 2020;Hash & Netting, 2007;Orel, 2014).…”

“…Long‐term care planning can protect SM individuals and their partners in the future (Caceres et al, 2020; Hash & Netting, 2007; Orel, 2014). In particular, previous international studies have identified housing, financial management, long‐term care insurance and healthcare proxies as long‐term care plans for SM older women (Butler & Hope, 1999; Clark et al, 2010; Hash & Netting, 2007; Singleton et al, 2022).…”

“…more pessimistic about suspected discrimination or caregiving burden; Johnson et al, 2005; Willis et al, 2016). However, few studies have explored older women's long‐term care experiences, concerns, plans and challenges are limited (Butler, 2017, 2018; Butler & Hope, 1999; Clark et al, 2010; Gabrielson, 2011; Grigorovich, 2015; Singleton et al, 2022). These seven studies were conducted in the United States (Butler, 2017, 2018; Butler & Hope, 1999; Clark et al, 2010; Gabrielson, 2011; Singleton et al, 2022) or Canada (Grigorovich, 2015).…”