Safe and Visible: Creating a Care Facility Welcoming to LGBT Seniors

Because they grew up and came of age in a time when their rights and safety were not protected and discrimination was even sanctioned by society and the government; LGBT older people on average are more likely to live in poverty and have deferred healthcare issues, and less likely to have an established support system. Many remain traumatized by the oppression they experienced over several decades. And so, despite some facilities and healthcare settings being inherently welcoming, LGBT seniors will likely remain hidden and feel some level of anxiety unless they see and hear overt signs indicating that they are safe. Care Facilities especially, are still often seen as a place of likely discrimination or abuse. In fact, a recent report shows that only 22% of LGBT people feel that an LGBT older adult can be open with the staff of a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other long-term care facility about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

[@AndreDMalan1966]

I'm South African and gay. In my 20s I dreamed of opening a LGBTQ old age home. Life happened, I never did open that home, and now, suddenly, I an 54, almost old enough to live in a home myself... watching this video, and others like it recently, has rekindled the dream.

[@andreaadeshigbin3740]

Do it!

[@apollicino1705]

it is so needed, hope you think about seeking funding and partners.

[@VW777]

54 is still young! God bless you, Jesus loves you.

[@AndreDMalan1966]

@@VW777 What a lovely message.

[@wanda4573]

Never thought of that. I was thinking of a boarding school for teenagers. My best friend almost died - suicide. because he was gay.

[@a2yty]

What a wonderful presentation. Thank you for sharing this.

[@terrimitchell6895]

Thank you for this information. I thought I was the only one jumping back into the closet when I joined the local senior center. it's very helpful knowing that this is something lots of other people are going through.

[@MignonB1]

No, you're not alone! And just because there is a decal or little "rainbow flags" in the flower boxes doesn't mean that the facility is open or welcoming to LGBT residents either! Anti-LGBT rhetoric at local senior centers goes on ALL THE TIME! The hurtful slurs and derogatory remarks of straight residents are often never confronted or corrected by senior center staff! Most often they try to pass things off as a "joke", but it's not a "joke" to the person(s) that are being humiliated. It's deliberate bullying!!!

[@laminage]

In The Original version of Tales Of The City, Michael Tolliver talked about opening a Senior Retirement Home. This was in the 1970's .

[@Hannah_The_Elon_Jew]

🐸

[@famuzzstarr]

LGTBQ residents are the best residents! You don't have to hide who you love. Love is Love ❤️

[@teenahagerman8353]

Excellent - Relevant - Useful - Needed

[@KavitaSingh-m4i]

Thanx you for sharing our stories.

[@jazzyflorida3757]

How can we even start the work to open a lgbt senior center? I would love to help get one started in tampa, Florida.

[@judithfox2435]

I love this-teachable moments for everyone including this lesbian. 🙏

[@diannagarrett8309]

Excellent video. Thank you for putting this together and making it available for training.

[@joem7537]

This warmed my heart.

[@jamesgatto5345]

It's an honor to be the first to compliment this wonderful accomplishment. This is an amazing visual document. Congrats to all involved and special kudos to those brave participants who shared their stories. Mr G

[@DominicaTraditionalWear]

What difference does that make. They are human beings. They must behave respectfully ,just like everybody else, when in company.

[@Girrrrrrrrrrrrrl66]

I identify as human.

[@russelldavis6405]

This documentary should be shown in all nursing homes!!

[@daniellemorris7774]

Excellent

[@amandahecker8764]

A wonderful video.

[@LifeElderCare]

Thank you, Amanda! We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@edwardwilliams2438]

Very insightful...Thanks!!! Education is available thru this wonderful media of the computer. The mature population has been so misrepresented thru the decades....glad to see that this agenda is making headway......again,Thanks!!

[@christinesmurthwaite8660]

all people should be looked after the same it shouldn’t be any body’s business what they have done in their lives unless they what to

[@christinesmurthwaite8660]

tell you

[@lgbtqcaregivers]

Thank you for sharing our stories and lifting up the LGBTQ community!

[@maimounadiaw1348]

Very informative. Thank you

[@LifeElderCare]

You're very welcome, Maimouna - glad you enjoyed it!

[@theinkbrain]

Way too much talking and lecturing. The people he was blathering on about should have been permitted to talk for themselves. What a waste of a documentary.

[@EclecticDD]

This isn't a documentary, but more of a training video.