Nursing Home Abuse and LGBT

Nursing home abuse is a pervasive issue that affects countless older adults. Unfortunately, members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community are at a heightened risk of experiencing abuse in long-term care facilities due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBT older adults face unique challenges when seeking care, often leaving them vulnerable to mistreatment.

The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC, are committed to advocating for the rights of all nursing home residents, including those in the LGBT community. Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Nursing homes are meant to be a safe haven for elderly individuals who can no longer live independently. Unfortunately, abuse in these facilities is not uncommon, and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) older men and women are at a heightened risk of experiencing mistreatment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Studies have shown that older LGBT adults are more likely to experience abuse in nursing homes and assisted living facilities than their non-LGBT counterparts.

According to a study by the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, over half of LGBT adults in care facilities have experienced mistreatment, including physical assault, neglect, and verbal abuse. This data is compared to only 11% of non-LGBT residents reporting abuse.

Older LGBT adults face unique challenges in care facilities, putting them at a greater risk for abuse. One of the biggest challenges is discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

It is crucial to address abuse among older LGBT adults to protect this vulnerable population's health, safety, and well-being. LGBT individuals have fought for their civil rights and made great strides in gaining social acceptance and recognition.

It is unacceptable for them to be mistreated and abused in care facilities where they should receive care and support.

Abuse can take many forms, and older LGBT adults are at a heightened risk of experiencing mistreatment in care facilities.

Physical abuse, neglect, and mistreatment can take many forms, including hitting, pushing, or restraining residents.

Mistreatment can involve treating LGBT nursing home residents with disrespect or not acknowledging their needs. Older LGBT adults may be at a greater risk of physical assault, verbal abuse, neglect, and mistreatment due to discrimination or inadequate understanding of their unique needs.

Verbal and emotional abuse can involve yelling, belittling, or intimidating residents. It can also involve ignoring or isolating residents, which can be especially harmful for LGBT individuals who may already feel marginalized.

Sexual abuse can involve unwanted sexual contact, coercion, or harassment. Older LGBT adults may be at a greater risk of sexual abuse due to discrimination or negative attitudes toward the LGBT community.

Financial abuse can involve stealing money or possessions from residents or pressuring them to sign over power of attorney or other legal documents. Older LGBT adults may be at a greater risk of financial exploitation due to discrimination or lack of legal protections.

Discrimination and mistreatment of the LGBT community can take many forms, including denying care, isolating residents, or failing to address their unique needs.

Older LGBT adults may be at a greater risk of discrimination and mistreatment due to negative attitudes towards the LGBT community, especially those with same sex partners,

Identifying signs of abuse is the first step in preventing and addressing abuse among older LGBT adults. Signs of abuse can include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behavior, and changes in appearance or hygiene.

Older LGBT adults may also experience discrimination or mistreatment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, which can manifest in neglect or inadequate care. It is vital for family members, caregivers, and nursing home staff to be aware of these signs and take action if abuse is suspected.

Reporting abuse to appropriate authorities is crucial for addressing abuse among older LGBT adults. It can involve reporting to nursing home staff, state agencies, or law enforcement.

Older LGBT adults may hesitate to report abuse due to fear of discrimination or mistreatment. Nursing home staff and caregivers must create a safe and supportive environment where residents feel comfortable reporting abuse.

Advocating for the rights of LGBT residents is crucial for preventing and addressing abuse. It can involve advocating for legal protections, promoting awareness and education among staff and caregivers, and supporting LGBT residents in care facilities.

It is important for family members, caregivers, and nursing home staff to understand and respect the unique needs and concerns of LGBT residents.

Creating a safe space for the LGBT community is essential in preventing and addressing abuse. It can involve creating LGBT-friendly nursing homes or care facilities, providing access to LGBT-specific support services and resources, and promoting awareness and education among the broader community.

Every LGBT elder must have access to supportive and inclusive environments where they feel respected and valued by everyone, including caregivers and other residents.

As an LGBT older adult or the loved one of an LGBT older adult, it can be challenging to find resources and support specific to your needs. Fortunately, many organizations and services are available to provide support, advocacy, and legal resources for abuse victims.

Many organizations provide support services for older LGBT adults, including hotlines, counseling, and group therapy. The following are some examples of organizations that provide these services:

• SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders) provides a range of programs and services for older LGBT adults, including social events, support groups, and counseling services.
• The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging provides education, training, and resources to service providers working with older LGBT adults and resources and support for older LGBT adults and their families.
• The LGBT Aging Project is a nonprofit organization based in Massachusetts that provides advocacy, education, and support services to older LGBT adults and their caregivers.

Advocacy and civil rights organizations work to protect the rights of older LGBT adults and address issues related to discrimination and mistreatment.

• Lambda Legal is a national legal organization that provides resources and advocacy for LGBT individuals and their families, including older men and women who have experienced discrimination or abuse in nursing homes.
• The Human Rights Campaign is a national organization that advocates for the rights of LGBT individuals and provides resources and support for older LGBT adults and their families.
• The National Center for Transgender Equality is an organization that advocates for the rights of transgender people and provides resources and support for transgender older people.

Did you or a loved one experience abuse in a long-term care facility? Legal resources are available to help you seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. Some resources include:

• The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) provides resources and support for abused victims. They also provide information on reporting abuse and seeking legal recourse.
• The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care provides advocacy and resources for every LGBT resident in a care facility in urban and rural areas. They also provide information on residents' rights and how to report abuse.

Family and community support can play a crucial role in the well-being of older LGBT adults. It's essential to have people you can turn to for support and advocacy. Some resources for family and community support include:

• PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is a national organization that provides resources and support for families and friends of a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender family member, including children.
• Local LGBT community centers can provide various resources and support for older LGBT adults and younger generations of bisexual women and men, including social events, counseling, and advocacy.
• Faith-based organizations that welcome LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) individuals can provide a sense of community and support for older LGBT religious or spiritual adults.

Were you or a loved one harmed by neglect or abuse by nursing home staff, employees, or other residents? If so, holding the nursing facility financially accountable for their actions is vital.

Our experienced abuse attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC can help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.

We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you won't owe us anything unless we win your case. Call us at (800) 926-7565 to discuss your options.

• Reporting Suspected Nursing Home Abuse | NCEA
• Abuse Among Older LGBT Adults | PMC