The Growing LGBTQ+ Population
The LGBTQ+ community is not only large but also expanding, particularly as societal acceptance increases and more individuals feel empowered to openly identify as LGBTQ+. According to recent estimates, approximately 7.6% of the U.S. adult population identifies as LGBTQ+, translating to roughly 25 million people. When looking at the over 65 population the number is estimated to be 3+%. This number is likely to grow as younger generations, who tend to be more open about their sexual orientation and gender identity, age into adulthood.
This shift underscores the need for home and home health organizations to be prepared to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. For many LGBTQ+ people, particularly older adults, there is a concern about facing discrimination in healthcare settings, which can lead to reluctance in seeking care or fully disclosing their identities to providers. These fears are not unfounded; research indicates that LGBTQ+ individuals often face disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, making it imperative for care providers to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
Key Findings from the AARP Study
AARP recently published a study that sheds light on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly as they age. The study highlights the challenges that LGBTQ+ older adults face, including social isolation, discrimination, and a lack of understanding from care providers. One of the most striking findings is that many LGBTQ+ individuals fear that they will need to hide their identities to receive adequate care as they age. This fear is compounded by the fact that many older LGBTQ+ adults have experienced a lifetime of discrimination, making them wary of trusting healthcare providers.
The AARP study also emphasizes the importance of dignity and respect in care settings. LGBTQ+ individuals want to be seen and treated as whole persons, with their sexual orientation and gender identity acknowledged and respected. This requires care providers to be not only culturally competent but also actively inclusive, creating an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe and valued.
State Requirements and Expanding Cultural Competency
Recognizing the need for more inclusive care, several states have begun to broaden their cultural competency requirements for healthcare providers. In New York and New Jersey, cultural competency training is now mandatory, ensuring that they are equipped to provide care to diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Massachusetts has gone a step further by specifically requiring LGBTQ+ competency training for healthcare providers, acknowledging the unique challenges and needs of this community.
These state-level initiatives are a critical step toward ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals receive the high-quality care they deserve. However, they also highlight the need for ongoing education and training for care providers. As the LGBTQ+ population grows and becomes more visible, the demand for inclusive care will only increase, making it essential for all home and home health organizations to ensure LGBTQ+ competency.
How Training Providers Can Support Inclusive Care
As a training provider, we play a crucial role in supporting home and home health organizations in their efforts to deliver inclusive care. There are several ways we can contribute to this important work:
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Cultural Competency Training:
- Offering comprehensive cultural competency training is essential to ensuring that care providers are well-equipped to deliver respectful and inclusive care to all clients, including those from diverse cultural backgrounds and the LGBTQ+ community. This training should be structured to cover various aspects of cultural sensitivity and awareness, ensuring that caregivers understand how cultural values, norms, and beliefs shape a client's understanding of their illness and care preferences.
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LGBTQ+-Specific Training:
- In addition to general cultural competency training, specialized LGBTQ+-specific training should be offered including understanding key terms and concepts related to sexual orientation and gender identity, and best practices for providing care to LGBTQ clients. By providing targeted training, we can help care providers develop the skills and knowledge they need to meet the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
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Ongoing Education:
- Cultural competency and LGBTQ+ inclusivity are not one-time training topics; they require ongoing education and reinforcement. We can support home and home health organizations by offering regular updates and refresher courses on these topics. This ensures that care providers stay informed about the latest best practices and are continuously improving their ability to deliver inclusive care.
The LGBTQ+ community is a growing part of our society, and it is essential that home and home health organizations are prepared to meet their unique needs. The AARP study highlights the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly older adults, face in healthcare settings and underscores the importance of dignity and respect in care. By expanding cultural competency requirements and offering targeted training programs, we can ensure that all individuals receive the inclusive, high-quality care they deserve. As a training provider, we are committed to supporting home and home health organizations in this important work, helping them create environments where every individual is seen, respected, and cared for with dignity.
