Given established health disparities between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ), as well as non-LGBTQ older adults, it is important to ensure the care provided in long-term-care settings is supportive to sexual and gender minorities, and sensitive to their unique needs and challenges.
Maria (a fictional example) is a 71-year-old Latina transgender woman admitted to the geriatric extended care unit of a hospital. A Vietnam-era veteran who served three years in the Army, Maria was divorced 15 years ago and has three children, two of whom live out of state. She lives with Silvia, her partner of five years. Although she says she has been relatively healthy, Silvia told VA providers that Maria has had increasing trouble remembering things, and has needed more assistance with paying bills, cooking and properly taking her medications.