WHY GLBT Older Adults & GLBT of any age with Impairments need our help |
- Same-sex partners CANNOT share a room in most care facilities.
- Many of the agency that the government or other organizations have set-up to assist Elders or those of any age with impairments, actually cause further isolation or trauma by denying/slowing services when they suspect person might be from GLBT community
- There are many government programs that target the elderly, but almost none are geared towards GLBT older adults.
- GLBT older adults face race, class, age bias/ageism and isolation within their own community; same for GLBT of any age with impairments
- Many GLBT older adults retreat back into the closet, due to homophobia amongst those entrusted with the care of older adults.
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- GLBT older adults DO NOT have the same family support systems as their heterosexual counterparts.
- Same-sex partners CANNOT receive Social Security survivor benefits.
- Basic rights and hospital visitation are regularly denied same-sex partners.
- Tax laws discriminate against same-sex partners.
- Medicaid regulations protect the assets and homes of married spouses when their partner enters a nursing home or long-term care facility; no such protection is offered to same-sex partners.
- GLBT older adults are more likely to live alone and experience isolation and loneliness.
- GLBT older adults are reluctant to reveal their sexual orientation to health-care providers because of fears they will face discrimination or concerns about confidentiality; in addition, some health care providers make assumptions about the health risks LGBT people face and may provide inadequate care.
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