Special concerns of LGBT caregivers
Grand Opening in Bay Ridge
The Vein Center of the Vascular Institute of the New York
Serving the community since 1989
Dr. Natalie Marks:
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine
New York University
Board Certifi ed, Vascular Medicine
Treatment of varicose veins, blood clots,
leg swelling, leg pain, wounds, aneurysms,
stroke prevention.
718-836-3333
9920 – 4th Ave., Suite 303
Brooklyn, NY 11209
COURIER L 28 IFE, JULY 19-25, 2019 PS
NATALIE MARKS, MD
DIRECTOR OF THE VEIN CENTER
In June we celebrated Pride Month
and the 50th Anniversary of
Stonewall, the start of the modern
Gay Liberation Movement. Over the
past 50 years we’ve learned a lot about
the special concerns of the estimated
three million LGBT caregivers in the
U.S. caring for a person with dementia.
And, we know these challenges remain
year-round.
LGBT caregivers often face unique
challenges when caring for a person
with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is
important that we understand these
issues and provide customized care
for the LGBT caregiver. For example,
LGBT caregivers are more likely
to experience isolation than their
straight counterparts. To combat this
feeling of isolation and loneliness,
LGBT caregivers can learn more about
joining support groups that address
issues related to the LGBT community.
More than 25 years ago CaringKind
partnered with SAGE, (Services and
Advocacy for LGBT Elders) to create
LGBT support groups which have been
a lifeline for many.
A member of the dementia caregivers
support group since its inception,
one member has often told the other
members that being in the group has
made her feel more compassionate, and
that it also contributes to her patience
in caring for her mother. She was
quoted saying, “We all speak the same
language.”
While many LGBT caregivers are
providing “horizontal caregiving”—in
which they care for another LGBT adult,
such as a partner, spouse, friend, expartner,
or neighbor—we also see many
adult children caring for their parents
with dementia or other conditions. It’s
not unusual for an LGBT adult among
a group of siblings to act as a primary
caregiver. It’s also possible that LGBT
adults become caregivers for their
parents or other relatives at a higher
rate than non-LGBT people. Families
may presume that LGBT adults have
more time and availability because
they’re less likely to have children.
Additionally, LGBT people’s families
of origin may not be aware of their
relationships or obligations. Care for
members of their families of choice may
go unnoticed. Adult LGBT children may
also fi nd themselves caring for parents
who have not been supportive of their
LGBT identity.
Many LGBT people rely on those
families of choice rather than biological
ones for their care, and LGBT caregivers
may not be treated with the same respect
or understanding. They can be especially
vulnerable to caregiver burden, stress,
and burnout, and less likely to seek out
supportive services because of fears
of being treated poorly. More apt than
non-LGBT adults to care for each other
in isolation, LGBT caregivers can face
further strain because there is no one
else involved to share the care. Solo
caregivers are particularly vulnerable,
with compounded health disparities
and few opportunities for respite.
Culturally competent support is
essential for LGBT caregivers. To fi nd
gay-friendly resources, please call the
CaringKind Helpline at 646-744-2900.
Personalized support is only one phone
call away. You are not alone. CaringKind
and SAGE are here for you.
Wellness
Care
Chronicle
Jed Levine
LGBT caregivers often face unique challenges when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s
or dementia.