2SLGBTQ+ caregivers experience many of the same responsibilities, demands and rewards of caregiving, but they also face some unique issues and concerns at the individual, organizational, community, health and social care system and public policy levels. It is important for caregivers to continually adapt their care practices to best meet the needs of their care recipients.
Caregivers within the 2SLGBTQ+ communities may be friends, neighbours, family members or members of a person’s “chosen families”. They may not be biologically related, but the care recipient can appoint them as the next of kin or substitute decision-maker.
2SLGBTQ+ caregivers may include:
- 2SLGBTQ+ older adults caring for other 2SLGBTQ+ older adults
- Caregivers who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (e.g., 2SLGBTQ+ adult caring for their parents)
- Others caring for 2SLGBTQ+ older adults (e.g., heterosexual caregivers caring for 2SLGBTQ+ relatives or friends)
Each group will have a different approach to care but will need support from the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
- Older 2SLGBTQ+ people may have fewer caregiver options than those outside this community. They are less likely to have children or grandchildren and may be isolated from their family of origin.
- Some older 2SLGBTQ+ people may conceal their sexual orientation from family members if they do accept their care – a decision that can negatively affect their well-being and quality of care.
- The care recipient may keep their gender identity hidden and may not benefit from certain policies and laws.
Do’s & Don’ts for Caregivers
- Educate yourself and ask questions
- Create a safe and honouring space for your care recipient
- Practice their authentic name and gender pronounce
- Provide choice and always ask for permission
- Practice being quiet and try to hear the person’s verbal and non-verbal communication
- Watch for cues related to the care recipient’s language
- Ask open-ended questions without judgement
- Be careful about using sensitive medical language (e.g., genital parts of the body)
- Do not make assumptions as to what defines a 2SLGBTQ+ person, their family or chosen family
Here are a few recommendations for finding comfort and support in your community as an 2SLGBTQ+ caregiver:
- Look up social events that are geared toward 2SLGBTQ+ seniors or multigenerational activities such as film festivals and neighbourhood festivals. There may be local cafes and bookstores that are known in the 2SLGBTQ+ community where people gather and connect. Invite friends and family to these events so you can make memories together, and they can better understand the interests and community that make you who you are.
- With the COVID-19 pandemic, take advantage of virtual events related to hobbies that may be of interest to you.
- 2SLGBTQ+ and caregiving support groups can be helpful in finding others who have experienced similar challenges and may provide you emotional support.
- Caregiving comes with a lot of stress and can lead to burnout. While attending educational and social programs can be helpful, consider trying programs focused on self-care. Activities like yoga, meditation, a relaxation class, or a walk-through nature can teach you long-term skills and mental strategies that help you relax as a caregiver.
Caregivers need to recognize that sexual orientation is a lifelong course, and it does not change as the person age. They should support and validate the gender identity of their care recipient, use inclusive language, and correct pronounce.
Watch the full webinar on Providing Care to 2SLGBTQ Persons
Sources:
The above content was adapted, in part, from an Ontario Caregiver Organization webinar presented by Ryan Wannamaker, a Registered Nurse working within the Day Health Program (DHP) at Casey House. He provides holistic client-centered care within an interdisciplinary health care team, which is vital to improving the overall well-being of people living with HIV. Shoshana Pellman has been an advocate for trans inclusion and care for over 15 years. She is passionate about patient-centred care for the trans population. Sue/Suza is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner at St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Team since 1994. She is an experienced nurse with over 30 years of experience and has been a consultant trainer with Rainbow Health Ontario teaching about transgender and gender-expansive medical and surgical primary health care.
Additional Resources:
Canada/Ontario
- The Ontario Caregiver Organization – 2SLGBTQ+ Resources
- The Rainbow Nurses Interest Group (RNIG)
- Registered Nurses Association of Ontario – Best Practice Guidelines (BPG)
- Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario (NPAO). They have an NP Trans care group.
- Facebook Group – Bereaved Families of Ontario
- Facebook Group – 2SLGBTQ Grief Loss Support
- Video – Out at Home: LGBTQ2IS older adults and home care
- The Centre for Studies in Aging & Health at Providence Care: Providing Services for LGBT2SQ Seniors (2020)
- Ryerson University – In Focus: Informal Caregiving and LGBT Communities
- Welcoming LGBT Residents: A Practical Guide for Senior Living Staff (page 84-85)
- AMI radio interview – Kelly and Company: LGBT2SQ Seniors and LT Care (2018).
- Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre: Pathfinder Series: LGBTQ+ Cancer Care
- Wellspring: Community Links
- Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto
US
- Alzheimer’s Association: LGBT Resources
- caregivingmetrowest.org: LGBTQ+ Caregiving
- Family Caregiver Alliance: Special Concerns of LGBT Caregivers
- National LGBT Cancer Network: LGBT Caregivers
- American Psychological Association: Resources for caregivers of diverse populations and specific age groups
- Nurse.org: Improving Healthcare for LGBTQ Populations