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GLBT elders have growing concerns
More services are being identified and met for
older adults who have alternative sexual orientations. Because there are an
estimated 27,500 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) seniors living in
the Twin Cities metro area, the program Generations was started in 1999 by
members of Spirit of the Lakes United Church of Christ.
"Many GLBT individuals relocate to
metropolitan areas to find a more accepting community and/or seek
anonymity," says Cathy Croghan, a member of the Generations board of
directors. Based on studies of other urban areas, the percentage of GLBT older
adults is pegged at just over 8 percent in the metro area.
Generations recently conducted a survey during
the first half of this year to determine the needs and perceptions of GLBT
elders.
Preliminary results in that survey show that
while 56 percent of GLBT folks felt that existing senior housing and social
services would not be sensitive to their needs as a GLBT senior, they were
overwhelmingly interested (92%) in receiving services from programs that were
identified as GLBT sensitive. In addition, 88% of respondents believed there was
a need for GLBT specific senior housing and social services.
Croghan refers to a recent national survey done
on the topic that points out that while one in three GLBTers provide caregiving
assistance to someone else, most do not know who will take care of them if they
need assistance later in life. Also, homophobia is a major barrier to health
care and social services. The study found that two thirds of doctors and medical
students reported knowing of biased caregiving by medical professionals; half
reported witnessing it and nearly 90 percent said they’ve heard disparaging
remarks about GLBT patients.
Generations will be conducting a community
forum to discuss the survey results on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Spirit
of the Lakes United Church of Christ (2930 13th Ave. S., Minneapolis).
The group has made presentations outside of the
metro area, but the focus of its work to date has been in the Twin Cities.
Seniors with GLBT concerns may call Spirit of the Lakes United Church of Christ
(612-724-2313) and leave a message asking for Generations to return their call.
The group also has a website at www.spiritUCC.org/programs/frame.html.
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