Supporting Direct Care Workers in Caring for Aging Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Individuals

This briefing paper is an overview of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) elder issues in long-term care institutions, community care and home care. The briefing paper’s aim is to demonstrate how the cultural and legal landscape negatively affects the health of LGBT seniors, and direct care workers’ role in improving the quality of service to LGBT elders. This paper draws from the recent emergence of policy briefs and agency documents outlining the concerns of LGBT stakeholders, as well as recent infrastructure changes in long-term care payment through Medicare and Medicaid that allow LGBT individuals the opportunity to remain in welcoming communities and environments