Authors
Katherine Kortes-Miller, Kimberley Wilson, Arne Stinchombe
Publication
March 2019
Abstract
Objectives: Educational interventions have the potential to equip healthcare providers to support diverse aging populations. The purpose of this research was to identify educational gaps hindering the provision of person-centered care to older adults who identify as LGBT.
Methods: Three focus groups were conducted in urban centers in northern, southern, and eastern Ontario with healthcare professionals and frontline staff. Semi-structured focus group discussion guides were developed based on the literature identifying some of the knowledge gaps, attitudes, challenges, and barriers around providing care for older LGBT adults.
Results: The focus group data revealed several key findings related to 1) lack of curricula within formal education; 2) the need to create safer physical and social environments; and 3) the need to build relationships with LGBT-focused groups/organizations.
Conclusions: Care providers want to provide open space for sexual and gender diverse older adults but lack the knowledge to do so.
Clinical implications: There is an ongoing gap within formal education systems such that historically marginalized populations who are now aging may be systemically neglected within formal curricula.
Citation
Kortes-Miller, K., Wilson, K., & Stinchcombe, A. (2019). Care and LGBT Aging in Canada: A Focus Group Study on the Educational Gaps among Care Workers. Clinical gerontologist, 42(2), 192–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2018.1544955Open Access
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