Working With LGBT Baby Boomers and Older Adults: Factors That Signal a Welcoming Service Environment

Abstract

Many providers recognize the importance of creating culturally competent services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Although multiple resources list steps to make professional practices more LGBT-welcoming, these resources provide no empirical data to support their recommendations. LGBT older adults (N = 327) were asked to describe what signals that a provider is LGBT-welcoming. Six of the top 10 signals related to provider behavior and suggest the importance of staff training; the balance included display of signage and rainbow flags, use of inclusive language on forms and the presence of LGBT-identified staff. Results provide evidence-based recommendations for working with LGBT older adults.

Policy recommendations to increase lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusiveness among Massachusetts assisted living communities

“…Factors such as discrimination, social stigma, and prejudice can prove detrimental to the safety and security of the LGBT aging community and often isolates LGBT aging adults and inhibits them from accessing community resources and services (Hughes, 2008). Respondents in a study conducted in the Midwest reported that even before experiencing any discrimination from senior services, they believed they would not receive friendly services if providers became aware of their minority sexual orientation or gender identity (Croghan, Moone, & Olson, 2015). In one study, the majority of gay and lesbian aging adults stated that they would avoid assisted living because they believed the staff is not knowledgeable about gay and lesbian issues (Jackson, Johnson, & Roberts, 2008;McFarland & Sanders, 2003).…”

“…Respondents in a study conducted by Croghan et al (2015) reported that even before experiencing any discrimination from senior services, they believed they would not receive friendly experiences if providers became aware of their sexual orientation. By moving back into the closet, they are subsequently forced to hide a critical part of their identity to feel physically and emotionally safe.…”

“…However, LGBT aging adults are less likely to have health insurance and more likely to face financial barriers to healthcare than do their heterosexual counterparts (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al, 2014). Studies have shown that LGBT aging adults may feel distrust toward health and social service agencies, and avoid or delay health care for fear of discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity (Beeler, Rawls, Herdt, & Cohler, 1999;Brotman et al, 2003;Cahill, 2000;Cook-Daniels, 2006;Croghan et al, 2015;Wallace, Cochran, Durazo, & Ford, 2011). Incidents of overt homophobia or transphobia from healthcare providers toward older sexual and gender minority adults are common (Brotman et al, 2003;Cook-Daniels, 2015;Czaja et al, 2015).…”

“…Researchers have identified several factors that should be included for an assisted living community to be inclusive of LGBT aging adults (Croghan et al, 2015). The first is awareness of the historical challenges LGBT aging adults have encountered and an understanding of the challenges they face in accessing senior living.…”

“…In their research, Croghan et al (2015) sought to provide evidence-based recommendations through a survey-based study exploring what LGBT individuals define as the elements of a culturally competent or welcoming service environment. A comprehensive needs assessment relating to LGBT aging was conducted among LGBT aging adults.…”