Supporting LGBTQ+ Elders
$45.00
LGBTQ older adults make up a growing share of both the overall LGBTQ population and the larger 65+ population. This training will explore special considerations and realities of being older and part of the LGBTQ+ community. Important statistics regarding the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ elders will be presented along with the concept of minority stress. Practitioners will be encouraged to explore their role in supporting these older adults through exploring a case study and key practice recommendations and strategies.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify key considerations of inclusion and experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults.
- Discover methods of supporting LGBTQ+ older adults.
- Impart three recommendations for addressing clinical considerations in working with LGBTQ+ older adults.
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 hours of Clinical, Cultural Competence, and General Skill Building continuing education training.
Course Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 8/24/2024
Recorded Live Webinar with downloadable presentation slides and/or handouts, evaluation, and a required quiz. The learner is required to pass with a 70% or higher to achieve the CE certificate of completion. The learner is able to reset the test until a satisfactory score is achieved. CE Training Workshops, LLC, provider #1770, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/2/2022 – 8/2/2025. CE Training Workshops, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE Training Workshops, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device. For more information about our policies and board approval statements, please visit our FAQS page.
Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and Kansas with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Elders (3 HR) Syllabus
I. Health, Aging, and Identity
- Increased risk for chronic illness, HIV, heart disease, and alcoholism
- Higher incidence of depression and anxiety linked to lifetime discrimination
- Importance of affirming care to promote healthy aging across body, mind, and spirit
II. Stigma, Isolation, and Risk
- Lifelong exposure to stigma and rejection increases vulnerability
- Risks include social isolation, poverty, delayed care, and early mortality
- Minority stress exacerbates health disparities among LGBTQ+ elders
III. Legal, Financial, and Social Barriers
- Limited access to pensions, inheritance, and spousal benefits
- Fear of discrimination in care settings leads to concealment
- LGBTQ+ elders may lack family support and face poverty at higher rates
IV. Dementia and Health Equity Concerns
- 7.4% of LGBT adults live with dementia; many lack equitable access to support
- Barriers include discrimination, lack of affirming services, and social disconnection
- Racial and ethnic LGBTQ+ elders report heightened concerns about care quality
V. Mental Health and Coming Out Later in Life
- Later-in-life disclosure linked to reduced anxiety and increased connection
- Motivated by authenticity, loss, and shifting family dynamics
- Counseling must affirm identity and support meaning-making in later years
VI. Discrimination in Mental Health Services
- Reports of transphobia, sexual harassment, and denial of affirming care
- Clinicians may refuse to provide letters for gender-affirming procedures
- Fear of involuntary hospitalization and mistrust of providers is common
VII. Clinical and Programmatic Considerations
- Inclusive intake forms, respectful language, and visible affirming cues
- Transgender inclusion must be built into all policies and procedures
- Confidentiality, staff training, and programming tailored to LGBTQ+ elders are essential
VIII. Addressing Minority Stress
- Internalized stigma and cumulative discrimination impact behavioral health
- Stress heightened for LGBTQ+ elders of color due to intersecting identities
- Interventions must address identity concealment, grief, and healthcare avoidance
IX. Affirming Care Models and Best Practices
- Incorporate Relational Cultural Theory to foster connection and reduce isolation
- Validate chosen families and non-traditional relationships
- Develop integrated behavioral health services and strong LGBTQ+ referral networks
X. Resources and Support Tools
- Use of LGBTQ+-affirming CBT and minority stress-informed interventions
- Access to tools: SAGE hotline, LGBTQ+ Healthy Aging Toolkit, community organizations
- Encourage peer support, inclusive group therapies, and culturally relevant materials
