SERVICES AND PROGRAMS Race and ethnicity The top five most needed services selected by LGBT older adult participants who are Hispanic, African American, and Asian/ Pacific Islander are the same as the overall top five services listed above. White older
or below 200% of the federal poverty level are the same as the overall top five services listed above. Those who have incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level indicate that assisted living is one of the five most needed services instead of legal services.
“It seems to me that one of the most important issues for GLBTQ elders is combating isolation and passivity about seeking services don't know how to do it though. So many of us won't have children to help us with this.” 57-year-old lesbian adults, however, indicate that assisted living is one of the five most needed services instead of legal services, and Native American older adults identify meals to home as one of the five most needed services instead of support groups. Hispanic, African American, and Native American older adults are less likely to have a DPAH and a will than their White counterparts. Age Of the top five most needed services identified by LGBT older adults in the project, senior housing, transportation, and social events are common across all age groups. The other two services in the top five are support groups and assisted living for LGBT older adults age 50 – 64, support groups and legal services for those age 65 – 79, and assisted living and short-term help for a caregiver for those age 80 and older. Compared with those age 50 – 64, those age 65 – 79 and age 80 and older are more likely to have a DPAH and a will. Income The top five most needed services selected by the participants with household income at 40
Those with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty level are more likely to have to have a DPAH and a will. Education Those with a high school education or less report that meal delivery to the home is one of the most needed services, while those with at least some college education indicate that assisted living is one of the five most needed services. Those with at least some college education are also more likely to have a DPAH and a will. Summary Senior housing, transportation, social events, support groups, and legal services are deemed the five most needed services by the LGBT older adult participants. The need for services and programs developed for LGBT older adults is critical, as they often have a unique combination of needs. While they may experience discrimination in mainstream services and programs, they may also lack legal protections at the federal, state and local levels.
The Aging and Health Report