LGBT Issues and End-of-Life Care

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seniors can face unique challenges at the end of life. Some recent news items and a new documentary highlight these concerns:

• In Minnesota, same-sex couples are advocating for a law to protect the rights of surviving members of domestic partnerships to make end-of-life care decisions.
  
• The Hartford Advocate (CT) writes about a home care and hospice agency that is starting a bereavement support group specifically for gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals.
• In Massachusetts, a nursing home specifically for LGBT seniors is opening this month Chelsea.
  
• This documentary, Gen Silent, explores the fear of discrimination that causes some LGBT seniors to hide their orientation as they age. (Thanks to the Hospice and Nursing Homes blog for sharing.)
  
  

HFA's 2009 teleconference companion book, Living With Grief: Diversity and End-of-Life Care included a chapter, "Aspects of Death , Grief, and Loss in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Communities," by Brian de Vries. See the complete Table of Contents and other resources from the teleconference.