"Going Back in the Closet": Addressing Discrimination Against Sexual and Gender Minority Residents in Long-Term Services and Supports by Providing Culturally Responsive Care

J Aging Soc Policy. 2023 Jun 22:1-13. doi: 10.1080/08959420.2023.2226300. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults face discrimination in long-term services and supports (LTSS). Yet, SGM older adults use LTSS disproportionately higher relative to their non-SGM counterparts. The discrimination is compounded by existing disparities, resulting in worse health outcomes and well-being for SGM older adults. Guided by socioecological model, we posit that training LTSS staff in SGM responsive care and implementing SGM anti-discrimination policies will be needed to improve care. Considering accessibility and turnover challenges, training should be online, interactive, and easily accessible. Studies that assess interventions for SGM responsive care are needed to guide policy and practice.

Keywords: Discrimination; education; long-term services and supports; sexual and gender minority; training.