Equal but different! Improving care for older LGBT+ adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• International human rights movements have advanced LGBT+ equality, yet health disparities persist.
• Older LGBT+ individuals experience unique challenges due to lifelong discrimination and lack of visibility in care.
• This includes impacts on physical/mental health, end-of-life care, dementia, housing, and specific concerns for transgender individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the multifaceted impacts of societal structures and care systems on older LGBT+ populations.
• To review existing community-led improvements and propose enhancements to person-centered care.
• To offer a framework for addressing service challenges and improving health and social care readiness.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on older LGBT+ health and social care.
• Analysis of societal impacts, discrimination, and invisibility within care settings.
• Development of a framework for service improvement and inclusivity.

Main Results:

• Older LGBT+ people face significant health and social care inequities.
• Existing LGBT+ community initiatives offer valuable models for improvement.
• Person-centered care requires adaptation to ensure inclusivity for older LGBT+ individuals.

Conclusions:

• Older LGBT+ individuals require tailored, inclusive health and social care approaches.
• Addressing systemic discrimination and invisibility is paramount.
• A proactive framework can guide services to better meet the needs of this population.