Since its inception, the LGBT Senior Housing and Care Program made strides towards great accomplishments. In 2017, the program was launched with several key initiatives. The program hosted a roundtable and established a working and advisory group in collaboration with Garden State Equality, SAGENJ, Advocacy Health Network, HYSSOP Housing, and RWJBarnabas Health. Monthly working group conferences were held to foster ongoing dialogue and development. The program also began conceptualizing the LGBT Senior Housing and Care Expo and initiated work on the LGBT Senior Housing and Care Needs Assessment Survey. Additionally, a public relations campaign was launched to promote the program. In 2018, the program expanded its efforts with the initiation of an online LGBT Senior Housing and Care Knowledge Sharing Platform.
The origins of LGBT Senior Housing and Care trace back to 2016 when a senior living community in New Jersey completed the LGBTQ cultural competency training program provided by SAGECare, a division of SAGE USA, the largest LGBTQ older adult advocacy organization in the United States. Following the training, the senior living leadership sought guidance on implementing the lessons learned at their facility. Realizing that no standardized best-practice protocols existed for LGBTQ senior care, the LGBT Senior Housing and Care group was formed to address this critical gap.
The LGBT Senior Housing and Care Needs Assessment Survey had 226 respondents from New Jersey. The survey results were analyzed, and a final report was produced. The program also hosted the first annual LGBT Senior Housing and Care Expo at Green Hill Inc., featuring five educational sessions, vendors, and networking opportunities for over 75 participants. During the expo, Green Hill Inc. in West Orange, became the first senior living community in New Jersey to raise the rainbow flag.
LGBT Senior Housing and Care has received an LEI Index endorsement in their continuing commitment to LGBTQ seniors. In a significant development for long-term care communities, the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI) has officially approved LGBT Senior Housing and Care’s training program, “LGBTQI+ & HIV+ Older Adult Affirming and Welcoming Practices, Protocols and Programs for Long-term Care Communities,” as a best practice training resource. This endorsement marks a critical step for long-term care communities seeking to meet LEI Index training requirements.
LGBT Senior Housing and Care offers individualized training programs tailored to older adult housing and care communities, service providers, and their staff. These programs focus on aligning companies and their facilities with best practice protocols, implementing LGBTQ-welcoming communication strategies across various platforms, and fostering strategic partnerships with LGBTQ professional services, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations. Additionally, the organization provides resources and opportunities for continuing education related to the needs of the LGBTQ older adult community.
The name LGBT Senior Housing and Care reflects an inclusive approach, encompassing the entire LGBTQ community. While the term “Queer” has been reclaimed by younger members of the community as a term of empowerment, it was historically used derogatorily, especially towards older adults. To honor the preferences of the older adult community, the organization chose not to include “Q” in its name, though it remains committed to serving all individuals within the LGBTQ spectrum. It also aims to educate those who are not able to define LGBTQ and who it represents.
LGBTQ older adults face additional barriers to health and aging services compared to their cisgender heterosexual peers. Fear of organized institutions and a lack of culturally trained professionals are primary obstacles. Amy Simon, CEO of LGBT Senior Housing and Care, emphasizes, “Every touch point along the aging continuum including social service providers, health care and daily task providers, professional service providers like attorneys, retirement and investment professionals, home care, adult day care and others, need to be trained in, the mental and physical morbidities that are of higher prevalence in the community.” This includes understanding past and current trauma, relevant policies and legislation, and how to communicate affirmatively with LGBTQ+ seniors and their families.
To address these needs, LGBT Senior Housing and Care offers continuing education units through various professional associations. They provide a range of unique and topic-specific LGBTQ adult and older adult training programs online. As one of the primary deliverers of the LGBTQ and HIV+ training required by New Jersey’s LGBTQ Senior Bill of Rights, the organization plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with state legislation.
Working with a diverse group of stakeholders, including LGBTQ, Ally, and LGBTQ advocates, LGBT Senior Housing and Care collaborates with both local and national LGBTQ and aging stakeholders. Together, they create and implement best practice models in housing and care services for LGBTQ+ seniors of all economic levels, races, religions, and cultures. The organization advocates for, implements, and shares these models across the aging services field.
LGBTQ elders face significant disparities in healthcare and housing
LGBTQ seniors are among the most marginalized groups in our society, facing unique challenges in accessing healthcare services and safe, welcoming housing. There are currently 2.4 million LGBTQ people in the United States aged 65 and older, a number expected to grow by 50% by 2030, according to The Williams Institute. These seniors are less likely to have close family support, often face discrimination in housing, are less financially secure, and encounter numerous barriers and inequalities that hinder a healthy and fulfilling later life. Stigma, discrimination, and fear are significant obstacles to accessing essential services for LGBTQ seniors.
Studies have shown that LGBTQ elders face significant disparities in healthcare and housing, leading to poorer health outcomes compared to their heterosexual counterparts. A major 2018 study highlighted that LGBTQ seniors are at a higher risk of social isolation, which contributes to mental and physical health problems, chronic conditions, and even premature death. Histories of victimization and discrimination further exacerbate these health issues.
These concerns often prevent LGBTQ elders from seeking necessary care due to fears of encountering homophobic or transphobic abuse. A 2018 report by LGBT Senior Housing and Care identified fear as the main concern for aging LGBTQ seniors when considering senior living communities or nursing homes. LGBTQ seniors fear they might have to hide their identities to avoid discrimination, harassment, or assault. They also worry that their partners, allies, family members, and friends will not be safe and welcomed and that they won’t receive adequate healthcare from providers experienced in serving the LGBTQ community.
by 2060, the number of older adults who self-identify as LGBTQ will exceed 5 million.
10% of the assisted living and housing facilities market is the LGBTQ community, including 7% who openly identify and 3% who do not openly identify as LGBTQ. The need for inclusive and affirming care is only growing. According to researcher Karen I. Frederiksen-Goldsen, by 2060, the number of older adults who self-identify as LGBTQ will exceed 5 million. These numbers double when considering same-sex behavior and romantic relationships. As younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who are more comfortable with their sexual and gender identities, grow older, they will demand respectful and dignified services.
Despite the growing need, only four states — California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Illinois — currently have legislation requiring LGBTQ-affirming and welcoming training in the older adult space. These states’ requirements vary significantly. Meanwhile, the rest of the country sees rising opposition to equality, with hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures.
Federal laws do not explicitly ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as they do for sex and religion.
Anti-discrimination legislation alone is insufficient to meet the needs of the LGBTQ senior community. While such policies outline what should not be done, affirming and welcoming policies provide guidance on what can and should be done to serve the community equitably. The Equality Act of 2020, introduced by the U.S. Congress, seeks to address gaps in anti-discrimination policies, but comprehensive, proactive measures are necessary to ensure true equity.
Recent polls indicate that most Americans oppose discrimination against LGBT individuals and believe it is already illegal. However, federal laws do not explicitly ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as they do for sex and religion. While courts and federal agencies have identified some protections for gay and transgender Americans under existing statutes, efforts to pass laws explicitly prohibiting discrimination in areas such as housing and employment have consistently stalled.
LGBT Senior Housing and Care is at the forefront of a transformative movement in elder care, striving to create an environment where LGBTQ seniors can thrive. By providing comprehensive training, fostering strategic partnerships, and advocating for inclusive policies, the organization is making significant strides toward a more just and supportive world for LGBTQ older adults. As the population of LGBTQ seniors grows, the work of LGBT Senior Housing and Care becomes increasingly vital in ensuring that all elders can age with dignity, respect, and the care they deserve.
