gms | German Medical Science

Background and Purpose: The research project GLEPA (Gleichgeschlechtliche Lebensweisen und Pflege im Alter) focuses on biographies and the needs of LGBT*I elders in long-term care facilities and community-based care systems.

Methods and Research Focus: GLEPA is based on nine narrative biographical interviews with LGBT*I (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and intersex) elders, who are in need of care, analysed with the Reconstruction of Life Stories by Rosenthal (2006). For further seven expert interviews with professionals working in long-term care facilities we have used the qualitative content analysis (Mayring 2007).

Results: The study illustrates the discomfort of LGBT*I elders regarding regular care services. It has found LGBT-related strategies and demands for addressing various forms of discrimination, including heterosexism, transphobia in the care of elderly gays and lesbians. GLEPA has defined LGBT-specific needs and expectations that a supportive (long-term) care should meet and justifies the importance of LGB(T*I)-friendly facilities and the competencies of LGB(T*I) personnel in terms of awareness, visibility and knowledge about LGBT*I communities.

Conclusions: The researchers advocate enhancing the concept of culture-sensitive long-term care according to diversity-sensitive aspects. A better understanding of diversity will help to better consider individuality and biographies in long-term care (facilities) and to support the social inclusion of LGB(T*I) elders. With respect to specific risks of loneliness and health issues of LGBT elders, LGBT sensitive housing projects and culturally sensitive long-term care needs to be provided to a greater extent.