Inclusive Care: Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ+ Elderly Residents
Introduction:
The progress society has made towards embracing diversity and inclusivity isn't just a societal trend; it's a reflection of our evolved understanding and appreciation of the human experience. For elderly LGBTQ+ individuals, navigating the world of care can be daunting due to past prejudices and present insensitivities. A truly inclusive AFH is one that not only accommodates but celebrates and supports the unique experiences of its LGBTQ+ residents.
Understanding the Unique Needs of LGBTQ+ Elders:
Historical Context: Many seniors from the LGBTQ+ community spent the majority of their lives in an era when revealing their true selves could mean personal, professional, and societal ostracization. Some might have faced persecution or been involved in the fight for rights, making their lived experiences a unique blend of resilience, trauma, and activism.
Social Isolation: LGBTQ+ seniors may have lived through periods where they had to hide their identities. This, combined with the potential lack of traditional familial ties, can result in compounded feelings of loneliness, further emphasizing the importance of a supportive AFH community.
Health Disparities: Past negative experiences with healthcare professionals can make LGBTQ+ elders hesitant to seek medical care or be forthcoming about health issues. This mistrust, borne from discrimination, can lead to significant health disparities.
Creating an Affirming and Welcoming Environment:
Training and Sensitization: It's crucial that AFH staff are not just tolerant, but genuinely understanding and empathetic. Regular, comprehensive training sessions should be conducted, not as a formality, but as a core part of staff development, emphasizing the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ seniors.
Policies and Protocols: Inclusion starts at the policy level. AFHs should have detailed, robust policies that ensure equal rights and treatment for all residents. Moreover, these policies should be revisited and revised regularly to ensure they're up-to-date with current understandings and best practices.
Visibility Matters: Representation and visibility serve as affirmations of acceptance. Simple gestures, such as recognizing LGBTQ+ holidays or having literature that addresses specific LGBTQ+ issues, can make a significant difference in creating an environment where residents feel seen and valued.
Addressing Health Disparities:
Comprehensive Medical Histories: Taking a detailed, non-judgmental medical history is crucial. Understanding past surgeries, hormone treatments, or any other aspect of a resident’s health linked to their LGBTQ+ identity can greatly impact their healthcare plan.
Mental Health Support: Recognizing that LGBTQ+ seniors might have faced significant mental and emotional challenges throughout their lives is vital. Providing therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues or ensuring access to related mental health resources can be immensely beneficial.
Open Communication: A genuine open-door policy, where residents can voice concerns, discuss healthcare needs, or simply share their life stories, can make an AFH truly feel like home.
Facilitating Social Connections:
Support Groups: Peer support is invaluable. Facilitating or even encouraging participation in LGBTQ+-specific groups can provide a platform for shared experiences, camaraderie, and understanding.
Events and Celebrations: Embracing the LGBTQ+ calendar, from Pride Month to the Transgender Day of Remembrance, acknowledges the community's history, struggles, and celebrations.
Connect with the Broader Community: Partnerships with local LGBTQ+ organizations can bring a refreshing dynamic to AFHs, be it through intergenerational dialogue, educational sessions, or entertainment.
Championing Residents' Rights and Autonomy:
Right to Identity: Every individual has the right to self-expression. This means recognizing and supporting residents' preferred names, pronouns, and appearance, ensuring that they can live authentically within the AFH.
Respect Relationships: Whether it's a life partner, a close friend, or a chosen family member, all relationships should be treated with respect and given the same privileges, from visitation to decision-making roles.
Privacy Matters: Sensitivity regarding disclosure is paramount. Staff should be trained to understand that information related to a resident’s LGBTQ+ identity, medical history, or personal relationships is strictly confidential.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
Regular Feedback: An inclusive AFH evolves with its residents' needs. Regular feedback sessions can provide insights into areas of improvement, ensuring that the care provided is always at its best.
Stay Updated: As societal understandings of LGBTQ+ issues evolve, so should AFH policies and training programs. This ensures that the care provided is always relevant, respectful, and of the highest standard.
Conclusion:
The journey towards genuine inclusivity is ongoing. As we strive for a world where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can age with dignity, it's the responsibility of AFHs to set the standard.
After all, every individual deserves not just care but care that understands, respects, and celebrates who they are.
References:
Providing inclusive, person‐centered care for LGBT+ older adults: A discussion on health and social care design and delivery - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7839502/
Inclusive Services for LGBT Older Adults A Practical Guide To Creating Welcoming Agencies - https://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/pdfs/Sage_GuidebookFINAL1.pdf
Meeting the Unique Needs of LGBTQ+ Older Adults - https://acl.gov/news-and-events/acl-blog/meeting-unique-needs-lgbtq-older-adults
ADDRESSING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF LGBTQ OLDER PEOPLE - https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/MEI-2018-IssueBrief-NeedsOfOlder.pdf?_ga=2.32044094.1037045318.1596814842-570727080.1593614714
Meeting the Health and Social Needs of LGBTQ+ Older Adults Through Medicaid in California and Nationally - https://www.chcs.org/resource/meeting-the-health-and-social-needs-of-lgbtq-older-adults-through-medicaid-in-california-and-nationally/
UNDERSTANDING ISSUES FACING LGBT OLDER ADULTS - https://www.lgbtmap.org/file/understanding-issues-facing-lgbt-older-adults.pdf
TEN STRATEGIES for Creating Inclusive Health Care Environments for LGBTQIA+ People - https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Ten-Strategies-for-Creating-Inclusive-Health-Care-Environments-for-LGBTQIA-People-Brief.pdf
LGBTQ+ Elders - https://ltcombudsman.org/issues/lgbt-elders
Age-Friendly Inclusive Services A Practical Guide to Creating Welcoming LGBT Organizations - https://www.pennmedicine.org/-/media/documents%20and%20audio/patient%20guides%20and%20instructions/lgbt%20health/national_resource_center_lgbt_aging_2016.ashx?la=en
