How to Approach LGBTQAI+ Dementia Care Services

LGBTQAI+ dementia care, two senior women

While there are common symptoms of dementia, the disease affects each person differently, depending on their circumstances and state of health. For LGBTQAI+ seniors, there is an extra layer of historical discrimination that can affect dementia symptoms and the care that is needed.

Statistics show that eight of ten older people depend on family members for basic home care services, but LGBTQAI+ seniors are far less likely than their peers to have immediate family. Instead, they depend on paid home caregivers and medical professionals, some of whom are hesitant to help or treat them poorly. SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQAI+ seniors, says the fear of being treated unkindly or discriminated against keeps many from asking for home caregiving when they need it. This can result in delayed treatment for dementia and other illnesses.

As the only LGBT-certified in-home care agency in Northern California, Alegre Home Care is in a unique position to provide the best dementia care services for LGBTQAI+ seniors. Caregivers at Alegre Home Care are required to complete LGBTQAI+ Cultural Humility Training and receive ongoing education in LGBTQAI+ senior care.

Alegre Home Care takes a person-centered approach to LGBTQAI+ dementia care, as well as general in-home care services. With personalized care plans, Alegre Home Care provides individuals with the ability to age or recover from the comfort of their own home. By helping people maintain their sense of identity, people are able to age or recover with dignity and respect.

Effective Communication for LGBTQAI+ Dementia Care

There are unfortunately a lot of cultural assumptions about people with LGBTQAI+ orientation. The first step for effective communication between caregivers and LGBTQAI+ seniors is to be mindful of those assumptions and get to know the individual. Effective communication strategies include:

Asking directly how to help with communication
Being an empathetic listener
Keeping sentences straightforward and clear
Including the person in conversations that affect them
Being familiar with the different stages of dementia and how communication is affected by each of those stages
Understanding the individual’s background and avoiding topics that might be trigger unnecessary stress

By listening, communicating honestly and directly, and avoiding assumptions, caregivers can truly understand the needs of each individual in their care. Understanding the unique concerns of LGBTQAI+ seniors will also enable caregivers to provide the best possible dementia care and in-home care.

5 Major Concerns of LGBTQAI+ Seniors

While victories for the LGBTQAI+ community continue to increase, LGBTQAI+ seniors nonetheless face unique concerns — including within the home care industry.

1. Legal and Financial

LGBTQAI+ seniors are more likely to be discriminated against in their careers, resulting in fewer financial resources during their older years.

2. Caregiving Services

Statistics show that eight of ten older people depend on family members for basic home care services, but LGBTQAI+ seniors are far less likely than their peers to have immediate family. Instead, they depend on paid home caregivers and medical professionals.

3. Mental Wellness

Members of the LGBTQAI+ community are more apt to isolate themselves at any age, but the situation is even worse among older people. According to SAGE, over half of lesbian or gay seniors feel cut off from other people, and 40 percent say they have tried to commit suicide.

4. Aging Services

Access to aging services can be a challenge for any older adult, but LGBTQAI+ seniors are also concerned with confidentiality and bullying.

5. Housing

LGBTQAI+ individuals of all ages face discrimination when it comes to housing, but the issue is particularly poignant for the elderly.

All of these experiences can affect how dementia symptoms display. For example, there may be more things than average that trigger symptoms such as depression and irritation.

Receiving Quality LGBTQAI+ Dementia Care

LGBTQAI+ seniors can receive the quality dementia care services they need by working with caregivers who are educated, experienced, and informed. When looking for in-home care services for LGBTQAI+ seniors, these are some of the qualities to keep in mind:

The in-home care agency is an LGBT-certified business
The in-home care agency participates in and advocates for the LGBTQAI+ community
Caregivers receive Cultural Humility Training
There are positive reviews from LGBTQAI+ seniors and their loved ones
Caregivers receive ongoing education and training in a variety of in-home care topics, including the particular concerns of LGBTQAI+ seniors
Caregivers provide personalized care plans for each individual