LGBT elders in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and residential communities

Abstract

This article examines the opportunities and challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender elders who are aging in the long-term care continuum. From independent and community living, to adult day services, assisted living and nursing facilities, LGBT eldersmay face discrimination from administrators, direct care professionals, neighbors, and other residents/participants. Ironically, enduring a lifetime of fear and discrimination has many positive factors for LGBT elders’ resiliency, self-esteem, and social networking. Further, LGBT individuals are nowincreasingly accepted into “mainstream” society. It is, however, important to understand that that the current cohort of LGBT elders may not only fear, but lack the funds to participate in, the long-term care continuum.