Seniors throughout the country celebrated Pride Month in June, and assisted living communities and senior care centers throughout the country celebrated alongside them. As a generation of LGBTQ adults become seniors, dramatic strides have been taken to create communities that are equal and welcoming.
LGBTQ seniors have experienced unique challenges when trying to find care and living environments that are warm and accepting. Currently, the Census estimates that 5% of the 65-and-older population of LGBTQ seniors lives in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It’s anticipated that, by 2030, the last of the Baby Boomers will be over 65 and increase those figures. As openly LGBTQ seniors age, and they are more likely to be single or without adult children based on NIH research, nursing homes need to be prepared.
One survey by Justice in Aging found that only half of senior-age LGBTQ adults in long-term care felt comfortable being open about their orientation. Another study in 2011 from the National Senior Citizens Law Center found that almost 50% of older LGBTQ adults had been abused or witnessed abuse including separation from a same-sex spouse, eviction or refusal of admittance due to gender identity or sexual orientation, being mistreated by other residents and being forced to share a room with a homophobic or transphobic roommate.
Many of these alarming studies have led assisted living and senior care communities to change practices. How have nursing homes worked hard to be welcoming to all seniors?
Senior Care Lifestyles specializes in connecting seniors with the right in-home care, assisted living, or senior living community to meet their needs. We have helped hundreds of clients and treat each senior as a valued member of our own family deserving our personalized attention, compassion and respect.
For help, or questions please call us at 410-977-3718 or send a message through our website www.seniorcarelifestyles.com.