Leann Dale, President & CEO of Senior Living Options of the Desert will be speaking, along with Jamie Trachtenberg, LCSW, ACHP-SW, on how to find LGBTQ+ affirming care. Please join us for this special PALS presentation on this very important topic.
The Do’s & Don’ts of LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
Saturday, October 21, 2023
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
The LGBT Community Center of the Desert
Planning for the difficulties befalling people late in life is challenging for just about everyone. No matter the financial, emotional and physical preparations made before retirement, everything can become quickly undone because of an unexpected health crisis or other age-related issue. This precariousness is even more pronounced among LGBTQ+ seniors, because so many of us fear mistreatment and abuse; or worse, having to crawl back into the closet when we need to find part and full-time care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, independent living, assisted living, memory care or end of life/hospice care. Sure, we have statutes protecting LGBTQ+ elders in California, but that’s not the case in many other states, where non-discrimination protections are nonexistent and the level of compliance varies from one region and metropolitan area to another. As a result, we have to overcome many more obstacles in finding high-quality, safe, respectful and culturally-competent medical and long term care arrangements and care providers than our straight counterparts
So what do we need to do or look for when interviewing potential caregivers to ensure that they’re truly affirming, inclusive and respectful? What questions should we ask about their policies, procedures, staff training and overall community culture? How can we know if a long term care facility or healthcare provider is truly committed to addressing the needs of older LGBTQ+’s? How will we know if it’s a safe place to have direct and honest conversations about our needs, both individually and as a couple? What legal frameworks need to be in place to guarantee that our healthcare, legal and financial directives will be honored? What do you I/we need to put in place beforehand to make providing care easier for our caregivers?
These are just a few of the key questions our guest presenters, Jamie Trachtenberg and Leann Dale, will cover at the first in-person PALS’ 10th Year Anniversary Seminar on Sat., October 21, 2023 at The LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert -or- via ZOOM for anyone who prefers remote access.
