This report from the National Senior Citizens Law Center and its collaborating organizational partners summarizes the findings from a convenience sample online survey of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults living in long-term care facilities, as well as of their family members and caretakers. Approximately 284 respondents identified themselves as LGBT older adults, another 485 identified themselves as family member, friends, or providers. The survey was conducted between October 2009 and June 2010.
- Only 22% of the LGBT older adult respondents said they could be open with long term care facility staff
- 89% of all the respondents expected that long term care facility staff would discriminate against an LGBT older adult
- 853 instances of actual mistreatment of an LGBT older adult in a long term care facility were reported
- 24 LGBT older adult respondents reported denial of medical treatment
- 93 respondents reported restrictions on visitors
The survey was conducted through the National Senior Citizens Law Center, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders, Lambda Legal, National Center for Lesbian Rights and National Center for Transgender Equality. The report includes policy recommendations, an useful appendix describing the legal rights of long term facility residents under the Nursing Home Reform Act, and listings of publications and local organizations. The project was funded by the Arcus Foundation. Additional information about the survey and some video responses are available.
Ignatius Bau 