Abstract
Health disparities exist in LGBT older adult communities, a high risk population for chronic health conditions. Cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) is an increasing concern in LGBT communities due to natural aging. A 2010 report estimated an increase from 3 million to 7 million LGBT elders by 2030. Access to care challenges for LGBT elders, caregivers and service providers include lack of knowledge, discriminatory services, stigma, socioeconomic barriers, etc. To build ADRD awareness, a partnership of seven community and academic organizations held a one-day, highly-interactive conference on priority topics from results of a pre-event community survey. Sessions included: diagnosis/treatment/side-effects; LGBT affirming assessment and resources; substance use/effects on LGBT elders; health equity; diverse communities’ needs; caregiving and mental health. About half of 227 attendees were service providers (nurses, social workers, public health workers, therapists, psychologists, etc.); the remainder were from the LGBT community (caregivers, care-recipients, care-partners, families). Half of attendees were white and the remainder reflected the diversity of greater San Francisco region (Asian, Black/African American, American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino). Speakers’ knowledge/expertise and interactive sessions were highly rated; post-conference evaluation respondents (n=118) intend to use information to improve: communication with LGBT/straight care-recipients, LGBT caregivers and/or providers (61%); management of care-recipients (59%); and educate LGBT caregivers and LGBT elder care-recipients (48%). Examples of attendees’ information needs were: caregiver stress, coping with discrimination, end-of-life, cultural competency, transgender health, etc. This interactive community awareness model can be adapted for LGBT elders, care-providers and healthcare professionals in global communities.
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