Society’s acceptance of those who are lesbians, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) has improved over the years, but that improvement hasn’t been seen in every nursing home and assisted living facility. Many in this community fear they can’t be themselves if they need to move into a Maryland long-term care facility as they age. <!–more–> Like everyone else, as openly gay and lesbian people age they will need caregivers to help them, and many will move into assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Many will rely on friends and partners, but compared to the general population they are more likely to be single and without adult children to help them, according to research published by the National Institutes of Health, reported by PBS. That can cause problems for many in the LGBT community. Long-term care facilities often lack trained staff and policies to discourage discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, seniors need to decide whether or not to hide their sexual orientation or face possible harassment by fellow residents or staff with more traditional views on sexuality and marriage. There are about 1.5 million gay, lesbian and bisexual people older than 65 living in the country, and that number is expected to double by 2030. A report on the issue was published in 2011 by six groups led by the National Senior Citizens Law Center. They surveyed 769 people, including LGBT older adults, family members or friends, social service providers and legal services providers. Of the total respondents, 328 people reported 853 instances of abuse, including: Harassment by residents and staff Refusal by facility staff to accept a medical power of attorney Refusal by staff to use a preferred name and/or pronoun Refusal to provide care Wrongful transfer or discharge.
The post Do LGBT Seniors Have to Go Back Into the Closet If They Go to A Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility? appeared first on The Law Offices of Roger S. Weinberg, IIc.
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