Facts about GLBT Older Adults

• Same-sex partners CANNOT share a room in most care facilities.

• There are many government programs that target the elderly, but none are geared towards GLBT
older adults.

• GLBT older adults face race, class, age bias/ageism and isolation within their own community.

• Many GLBT older adults retreat back into the closet, due to homophobia amongst those entrusted
with the care of older adults.

• GLBT older adults DO NOT have the same family support systems as their heterosexual counterparts.

• Same-sex partners CANNOT receive Social Security survivor benefits.

• Basic rights and hospital visitation are regularly denied same-sex partners.

• Tax laws discriminate against same-sex partners.

• Medicaid regulations protect the assets and homes of married spouses when their partner enters a nursing home or long-term care facility; no such protection is offered to same-sex partners.

• GLBT older adults are more likely to live alone and experience isolation and loneliness.

• GLBT older adults are reluctant to reveal their sexual orientation to health-care providers because of fears they will face discrimination or concerns about confidentiality; in addition, some health care providers make assumptions about the health risks LGBT people face and may provide inadequate care.