Making Aging Services LGBT-friendly

What you need to know about LGBT-friendly services

by Terri Clark

For many, aging can present numerous challenges, including the ability to maintain good health. But for the nation’s estimated 3-million LGBT older adults, growing older may also mean facing very difficult choices, such as choosing to go back into the closet. The pre-Stonewall generation has been referred to as “Gen Silent,” reflecting its members’ tendency to be “closeted” and their hesitancy to advocate on their own behalf. For many, it was impossible to be openly gay and feel safe. Now — at a time in their life when they require services and programs offered by aging-service providers, maybe within a long-term care setting, an adult day-care center or a senior center — many LGBT older adults report heightened fear and anxiety should they disclosure their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Silence greatly increases an LGBT older adult’s risk of social isolation and decreases his or her likelihood of successful aging.

Some people may think that being “out” (disclosing your sexual orientation and/or gender identity) to aging-service providers or health-care practitioners is not important, or they may not see the benefits of accessing aging services that are inclusive and culturally competent. Consequently, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, LGBT seniors are five times less likely to use aging-related services than their heterosexual peers as a result of fear, but have a far greater need for those services. Additionally, a 2007 study, “Improving the Lives of Older Adults,” found that a majority of the nearly 650 LGBT people studied reported being abused or neglected by staff, or isolated from and/or discriminated against by other residents. Finally, the Public Health Management Corporation just released results from a state-funded survey that found that nearly 40 percent of participants reported at least one discriminatory experience in a health-care setting, which included 13 percent who were denied access to health care and 22 percent who said they had to hide their identity from a provider. About 11 percent experienced abusive language from a provider.

Knowing someone’s sexual orientation is different from knowing about that person’s sex life. Sexuality, including sexual orientation and gender identity, is an integral part of one’s identity, LGBT or straight. If a provider doesn’t really know their clients/patients, how can he or she ensure the person’s needs are being addressed and they are receiving appropriate services?

Read more:PGN-The Philadelphia Gay News.

For more information about the LGBTEI's cultural competency training program, the Silver Rainbow Project: www.lgbtei.org/p/training_4.html

PHMC Study Findings Released

FINDINGS FROM OLDER ADULT STUDY AIMS TO IMPROVE SERVICES FOR LGBT SENIORS IN PHILADELPHIA

May 14, 2013 Data will guide policy makers in the region PHILADELPHIA – In April, Public Health Management Corporation's (PHMC) Research and Evaluation Group released a 104-page report titled Health and Service Needs of LGBT Older Adults in Philadelphia. The report includes full findings from one of the largest studies ever done on Philadelphia's aging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The document reports on the experiences of more than 200 older Philadelphians from a variety of backgrounds who identified as LGBT. A major outcome of the project is a set of recommendations to increase access to healthcare and enhance service provision for older LGBT adults. The recommendations were developed by examining the results of the research surveys, interviews and focus group as well as eliciting feedback from community members. These recommendations are unique in providing tangible resources for medical and social service providers to enhance their knowledge on how to serve LGBT persons. Additionally, the recommendations include service and information resources to enhance the quality of life for LGBT older adults. "We want to do more than merely provide suggestions on what can be done to improve services for LGBT older adults" says Lee Carson, a research associate at PHMC. "We also want to be sure providers know exactly where they can find resources to enhance their ability to meet the needs of this underserved population. Additionally, we want LGBT older adults to have access to resources that will help enhance their quality of life". The recommendations cover three broad areas: access to healthcare, access to social services and housing, and cultural competence. Regarding access to healthcare, the study found that 22% of participants aged 55-64 didn't have health insurance, 21% didn't have prescription drug coverage, and 45% didn't have dental insurance. These numbers are in stark contrast to the Healthy People 2020 goal, which aims to have coverage for 100% of older adults. The recommendations provide seniors with information about where they can call to check their eligibility for health insurance. The study also found that 20% of respondents reported that they experienced or feared they would be treated poorly in an older adult service setting. Study recommendations include making older adult programs LGBT affirming, making staff and policies in public housing affirming of LGBT older adults and their relationships, and increasing competence in how long-term care facilities can meet the needs of their LGBT patients. To help providers increase their cultural competence in these various settings, the recommendations focus on providing key resources that can be utilized by providers in these settings. These include publications from key national LGBT organizations such as the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) and Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE). Additionally, training resources specifically geared toward helping mainstream older adult service organizations increase their competence around the inclusion of LGBT older adults are provided locally by the William Way LGBT Community Center. The findings and recommendations from the study have already been put to use by local organizations who are actively working on enhancing the health of LGBT older adult populations. Heshie Zinman, co-chair of the LGBT Elder Initiative (LGBTEI), who served on the Community Advisory Board for the study states "Any solid data like this concerning the needs of LGBT communities is priceless because we have not been counted in the past. The PHMC study adds significantly to our knowledge of the health discrepancies that LGBT older adults face. In fact, we have already used the results of this study to plan our 'LGBT Older Women's Health' community forum." The report has also captured the attention of local city government. Gloria Casarez, director of LGBT affairs for the City of Philadelphia and an advisory board member states "Health and Service Needs of LGBT Older Adults in Philadelphia represents the best information we've ever had on the needs of Philadelphia's LGBT elder population". She goes on to add, "Providing specific insight into LGBT elders' access to health care, social services and housing, the findings will inform policy and guide practice in the Philadelphia region." To request a full copy of the report, call Lee Carson at 267.765.2352 or email him at lcarson@phmc.org. About PHMC Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. PHMC has served the region since 1972. For more information on PHMC, visit www.phmc.org.

LGBT Civil Rights, Marriage Equality and Our Advocacy

Love and Let Love: The State of LGBT Civil Rights in Pennsylvania

Beth Ahavah and Rodeph Shalom invite you to join us for

an important presentation, “Love and Let Love: The State of LGBT Civil Rights in Pennsylvania,” as part of the Weekday Scholars Series.  Ted Martin, Executive Director of Equality Pennsylvania, will discuss topics including: Marriage Equality, LGBT caucus in the State Assembly, proposed non-discrimination legislation and other LGBT civil rights initiatives and advocacy issues.

Join us on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at 7pm.  The program will be held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, 1615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia.  This program is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served.  Free parking is available.

This program is sponsored by Beth Ahavah, Rodeph Shalom, LGBT Elder Initiative, Mazzoni Center, William Way Community Center and The Yes Coalition.

For more information, please go to: www.rodephshalom.org/scholars/

Gussick on retirement - income options

from Philadelphia Gay News

May 10, 2013

Adding up your retirement-income options

by Jeremy Gussick

Q:When should I retire? How much income will I need? How much can I afford to spend from my investments each year in retirement?

A:These are all terrific questions. Unfortunately, the answers aren’t always the same. Managing money in retirement involves decisions about withdrawal rates, asset allocation and a host of other factors that will impact your lifestyle and how long your assets will last. Following are some straightforward answers to commonly asked questions about planning for income needs in retirement.

Asked and answered: Key questions about retirement income planningWhen should I begin thinking about tapping my retirement assets, and how should I go about doing so?

The answer to this question depends on when you expect to retire. Assuming you expect to retire between the ages of 62 and 67, you may want to begin the planning process in your mid- to late 50s. A series of meetings with a financial advisor may help you make important decisions, such as how your portfolio should be invested, when you can afford to retire and how much you will be able to withdraw annually for living expenses. If you anticipate retiring earlier than 62 or working later than 67, you may need to alter your plans accordingly.

How much annual income am I likely to need?

While studies indicate that many people are likely to need between 60-80 percent of their final working year’s income to maintain their lifestyle after retiring, low-income and wealthy retirees may need closer to 90 percent. Because of the declining availability of traditional pensions and increasing financial stresses on Social Security, future retirees may have to rely more on income generated by personal investments than today’s retirees. Whether or not you own your home entering retirement will also have an impact on these percentages.

How much can I afford to withdraw from my assets for annual living expenses?

As you age, your financial affairs won’t remain static: Changes in inflation, investment returns, your desired lifestyle and your life expectancy are important contributing factors. You may want to err on the side of caution and choose an annual withdrawal rate somewhat below 4-5 percent. Of course, this depends on how much you have in your overall portfolio and how much you will need on a regular basis. The best way to target a withdrawal rate is to meet one-on-one with a qualified financial advisor and review your personal situation.

Read more: PGN-The Philadelphia Gay News.

EI in PGN: Older Women's Health & Wellness

from Philadelphia Gay News
May 10, 2013

Older women’s health focus of next LGBT elder talk

by Jen Colletta

The LGBT Elder Initiative’s Conversation series will next turn its attention to the health and wellness of older women.

The organization will host LGBT Older Women’s Health from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May 18 at South Philadelphia Older Adult Center, 1430 E. Passyunk Ave.

The event will focus on the health challenges women over 50 face and will utilize an interactive format to allow participants to take an active role in exploring solutions to these obstacles.

LGBTEI co-chair Terri Clark said the planning committee was comprised of women in the target community, who met with a researcher from the Public Health Management Corporation, which recently unveiled a wide-ranging research report on the needs of the LGBT older-adult population.

“The committee talked about what they wanted to see in a Conversation program for their community, and they looked over the PHMC data,” Clark said. “Out of that conversation they decided they wanted an event that focused on making friends, something interactive, something fun. They were looking for an opportunity to meet other adult women and to work together on eating better, learning nutrition. The Elder Initiative is really trying to be responsive to our community’s needs as we age, and this ties into that well.”

Participants will get the chance to take part in a cooking demonstration that will teach them to make nutritional snacks, and can also try Tai Chi with a trained expert who is leading free classes at the William Way LGBT Community Center.

Diane Menio, executive director of the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly, will also lead a discussion on the preventative screenings available under the Affordable Care Act.

Read more:PGN-The Philadelphia Gay News.

REGISTER NOW FOR "LGBT Older Women's Health."

EI board member John Cunningham to be honored by DVLF

from Philadelphia Gay News
May 10, 2013
DVLF to honor HEROES
by Angela Thomas

The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund will host its seventh annual HEROES event from noon-3 p.m. May 19 — this year featuring a new location and after-party and a new award.

Last year, the organization switched formats from a cocktail event to a brunch, which DVLF executive director Samantha Giusti said was a smart chice. The location, however, is different: Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, 433 Chestnut St.

Giusti said the organization was taken by the venue’s ambiance and wanted to capitalize on the new hotel.

There will also be a new after-party at Fire & Ice, 312 Market St., where guests will be treated to a drag show.

“We haven’t done an after-party because the format was different in the past years, so with making it a brunch, we wanted to have an after-party,” Giusti said. “Fire & Ice is less than half-a-block away, which is convenient for folks to make it over there.”

The agency will also present a new award, the Lifetime Legacy, which Giusti said allows the agency to honor someone with a longtime LGBT commitment.

“HEROES usually looks at a person’s contributions to the LGBT community primarily within the last year and when we do that, we miss a lot of people,” she said.

The inaugural award will go to John Cunningham. Other awardees include Franny Price, former Congressman Patrick Murphy, Chantel Wilson, The Philadelphia Foundation and Rossi Wellness Center.

Read more: PGN-The Philadelphia Gay News.

Health Fair at Center in the Park