Aging Out: Moving towards queer and trans competent care for LGBTQ seniors
- QMUNITY Team
- Feb 13, 2014
- 2 min read
This discussion paper is a summary of findings and recommendations to provide culturally competent care for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors in Residential Care and Assisted Living.
The key finding from the Aging Out Project is that lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) seniors, are deeply concerned about being able to receive queer and trans competent care when moving from independent living to assisted living or residential care.
As Canada’s population continues to age in increasing numbers, the number of LGBTQ seniors also increases.
In 2012, the combined seniors population in the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA) was 365,255; a conservative estimate of the total combined LGB seniors population is 23,376 and trans* population 2,557 people.
These numbers are expected to grow by 4% over the next 2 years; by 2020 the seniors population will be 19% of the total population.
To ensure the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ seniors, health authorities need to create policies immediately that allow LGBTQ seniors to access appropriate care and enable facilities to provide such care.
This report offers two recommendations to increase inclusion and belonging for LGBTQ seniors entering and residing in residential care and assisted living facilities. These recommendations apply to VCHA and FHA’s application of the B.C. Ministry of Health’s Home and Community Care’s First Appropriate Bed (FAB) policy as well as the Residential Assessment and Intake (InterRAI) instrument.
The lack of information collected about LGBTQ identities in the administration of the InterRAI creates erasure for LGBTQ seniors. This erasure of LGBTQ identities makes it impossible to determine the most appropriate bed placement.
Our recommendations are based on research, literature reviews, resident and staff consultations and community policy dialogues. Our research was paired with community feedback to ensure that the recommended changes are timely, needed, and stand to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the LGBTQ seniors’ population.
