Headline
The Long-Term Care Equality Index advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in long-term care settings.
Context
Despite the growing visibility of older adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or other diverse sexual or gender identities (LGBTQ+), these populations have historically remained unseen by aging service providers, policymakers, and researchers. Older LGBTQ+ people have expressed concerns around having adequate social supports and being more reliant on paid long-term care services and assistance. This reliance can be impacted by stigmatization, a lack of identity-affirming care, and encounters with discrimination and violence, leading to the avoidance of necessary services, persistent stress, and heightened social isolation among older LGBTQ+ individuals. The Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI) advocates for the implementation of LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and procedures within long-term care and senior housing communities.
About this Tool
The LEI provides tools and resources — including a biennial survey, webinar series, and technical assistance calls — to support long-term care and senior housing communities in adopting policies and optimal approaches that deliver culturally competent care to LGBTQ+ older individuals. The LEI assesses specific policy and procedural areas as indicators of LGBTQ+ inclusion within senior housing environments:
- Non-discrimination and staff training
- Resident services and support
- Employee benefits and policies
- Resident and community engagement
Takeaways
Providing LGBTQ+ inclusive care is important for long-term care and senior housing communities to improve the overall well-being of members in the LGBTQ+ community. The LEI provides tools and resources which can support organizations in evaluating their current policies and delivering more culturally competent care to LGBTQ+ older individuals.
