Long-term Care Concerns for LGBTQIA+ Patients And Where to Find Inclusive Systems
A new report notes that by 2030, studies project the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people 50 and older in the U.S. will be 7 million.
A majority of LGBTQIA+ older people — 70% — are worried about having to hide their identity as they age and need services in places that may not protect them, according to a report from two organizations.
The advocacy organization SAGE and the Human Rights Campaign have released a 2023 Long-Term Care Equality Index promoting inclusive policies and practices in long-term care and senior housing communities, recognizing leaders in the industry working to make a difference.
The report involves the results of a survey highlighting retirement communities and long-term care facilities that strive to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of LGBTQIA+ residents.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
“Afraid of telling anyone”
The report includes a quote from a 73-year-old gay man expressing his fears: “Within the next two weeks I will be going into assisted living. Due to my financial situation, I will have to share a room with another man. The thought of going back into the closet is making me ill. Frankly, I’m afraid of telling anyone that I am gay.”
The report notes that by 2030, studies project that the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people 50 and older in the U.S. will be 7 million. “Despite the older members of the LGBTQ+ community growing in visibility and size, LGBTQ+ elders have historically been invisible to aging service providers, policymakers, and researchers,” the report says.
These individuals are twice as likely to live alone and four times as likely to not have children.
Index measures support
While there are concerns, there are also some systems that can be supportive to the community.
The HRC equality index measures answers in categories like support provided to residents, non-discrimination and staff training and resident and community engagement. It provides information on 200 communities from 34 states that participated in the equality index survey.
By looking at those measures, the HRC identified some systems that are inclusive in the care provided. In particular, the index highlighted three systems found to be especially inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community:
- United Church Homes, which provides housing and health care for older people through more than 90 senior living communities across 15 states and in two Native American nations
- Edenwald, a retirement community in Towson, Md., near Baltimore
- NYC Health + Hospitals in New York, the largest public health care delivery system in the United States
"At United Church Homes, inclusivity is not just a word, it is a way of life," Rev. Dr. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes, is quoted as saying in the report. "We welcome and celebrate the diversity of all individuals, and strive to create a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and loved."
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Retirement Report, our popular monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. Subscribe for retirement advice that’s right on the money.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Elaine Silvestrini has worked for Kiplinger since 2021, serving as senior retirement editor since 2022. Before that, she had an extensive career as a newspaper and online journalist, primarily covering legal issues at the Tampa Tribune and the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey. In more recent years, she's written for several marketing, legal and financial websites, including Annuity.org and LegalExaminer.com, and the newsletters Auto Insurance Report and Property Insurance Report.
-
Question: Are You Planning for a 20- or 30-Year Retirement?You probably should be planning for a much longer retirement than you are. To avoid running out of retirement savings, you really need to make a plan.
-
How to Steer Clear of the Medicare Tax TorpedoBetter beware, because if you go even $1 over an important income threshold, your Medicare premiums could rise exponentially due to IRMAA surcharges.
-
Having No Life Insurance Is Like Driving Without a Seat BeltLife insurance is that boring-but-crucial thing you really need to get now so that your family doesn't have to launch a GoFundMe when you're gone.
-
3 Ways to Stretch the 2026 Social Security COLA For Your BudgetThree steps retirees can take to stretch the Social Security COLA to fit their budgets.
-
Pickleball Injuries are Getting Out of Hand for Some AdultsAs more older adults take up pickleball, injuries are on the rise. Here's how you can lower your risk and still have a ball.
-
Are You Prepared to Live Longer? MIT AgeLab Answers QuestionsA new measure of longevity readiness indicates that for many Americans, the answer is no — and suggests what is needed to get on track.
-
Government Research Cuts Hit Older AdultsThe Trump administration has slashed funding for medical research, delaying some treatments and cures for health conditions affecting retirees.
-
4 Strategies for Older Adults to Cut Property TaxesBefore you settle your next property tax bill, make sure you're taking full advantage of these tax breaks for older homeowners across the US.
-
A Guide to Starting a Successful Business After 50Age can be an advantage for older entrepreneurs looking to extend their careers or supplement their income in retirement.
-
10 Things You Should Know About Buying a Car Today, Even if You've Bought BeforeIf buying a car is on your to-do list, and it's been a while since you went shopping for a new one, this guide will help avoid any nasty shocks in the showroom.
-
When Helping Mom and Dad Hurts Your WalletNew research shows how assisting an aging parent with expenses can strain your own finances.