End-of-life preparations among LGBT older Canadian adults: The missing conversation
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Date
2019-03
Authors
de Vries, Brian
Gutman, Gloria
Humble, Áine M.
Gahagan, Jaqueline
Chamberland, Line
Aubert, Patrick
Fast, Janet
Mock, Steven
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Aging and Human Development
Abstract
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) older adults are more likely than their heterosexual peers to age with limited support in stigmatizing environments often poorly served by traditional social services challenging their preparedness for end of life. Fourteen focus groups and three individual interviews were conducted in five Canadian cities with gay/bisexual men (5 groups; 40 participants), lesbian/bisexual women (5 groups; 29 participants), and transgender persons (3 interviews, 4 groups; 24 participants). Four superordinate themes were identified: (a) motivators and obstacles, (b) relationship concerns, (c) dynamics of LGBT culture and lives, and (d) institutional concerns. Several pressing issues emerged including depression and isolation (more common among gay and bisexual men), financial/class issues (lesbian and bisexual women), and uncomfortable interactions with health-care providers (transgender participants). These findings highlight the challenges and complexities in end-of-life preparation within LGBT communities.
Description
Keywords
End of life , LGBT , Focus group , Informal care , Diversity
Citation
De Vries, B., Gutman, G., Humble, A. M., Gahagan, J., & Chamberland, L., Aubert, P., Fast, J., & Mock, S. (2019). End-of-life preparations among LGBT older Canadian adults: The missing conversation. International Journal of Aging and Human Development. Advance online publication. doi:10.1177/0091415019836738