Progress and Challenges for LGBTQ+ Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities

Although LGBTQ+ community members have the same rights as all other long-term care consumers, they often face hardship, such as discrimination and stigma, that their straight and cisgender counterparts do not. Even before entering long-term care, LGBTQ+ individuals are often concerned about whether the facility will accept them as who they are, and whether they will feel comfortable having partners and friends visit. LGBTQ+ older adults are less likely to have children to care for them and are more likely to live alone without a caretaker. Many LGBTQ+ older adults are not “out” because they fear discrimination. In this episode, we are joined by Sherrill Wayland, Director of Special Initiatives at SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBTQ Elders), the largest organization improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults, advocating for the community since the 1970s. Sherrill discusses some of the challenges these residents face, what questions LGBTQ+ older adults should ask when comparing facilities, and best practices for facilities to train staff and maintain an inclusive community. Despite the challenges that exist, Sherrill shares some encouraging indicators of progress among facilities in states across the country. For resources for LGBTQ+ residents and support from the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, visit https://ltcombudsman.org/issues/lgbt-elders. To access SAGE resources for LGBTQ+ older adults, including its National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline, visit www.sageusa.org.