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LGBT+ Seniors Face Challenges Accessing Aging Services, New Study Reveals

A new eye-opening report by the University of California, San Fransisco has revealed that LGBT+ seniors face critical challenges in accessing aging services in San Francisco. 

Specifically, 20 percent of LGBT+ seniors in San Francisco don’t use aging services because they feel “unsafe” or “unwelcome”, ‘PR Newswire’ reports. 

“In many respects, LGBTQ seniors in San Francisco face an uphill battle when it comes to accessing many vital services. These include choosing lower quality services to accommodate fixed incomes, experiencing discrimination, having unique emotional and social barriers, and surviving trauma associated with either being victimized and/or living through the HIV/AIDS epidemic,” said Flatt, assistant professor in residence at the Institute for Health & Aging in the UCSF School of Nursing. 


“These new findings provide a strong rationale for a one-stop shop program that integrates case management, LGBTQ-identifying staff, use of trauma care approaches and social activities/programs that reflect the diverse interests and backgrounds of the LGBTQ community.”

“Many seniors aren't accessing necessary support because services are simply not inclusive, affordable and customizable to meet their broader needs,” said Flatt. 

“We've heard first-hand from seniors and their caregivers that their deep desire is to access critical services and thoughtfully designed programs. They want a nondiscriminatory welcoming environment that's created with their unique set of needs in mind.”


Read related myGwork articles here:

Are We Caring For the LGBT+ Elderly?

Elderly Lesbian Couple Loses Discrimination Lawsuit Against Retirement Home

California Pledges to Support LGBT+ Seniors with New Law

Elderly lesbian married couple denied housing because they are gay



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