LGBTQ senior housing options have come a long way over the past few years but we understand that there are still many challenges that need to be overcome. Here’s what you should know if you are looking for LGBT friendly assisted living in Long Beach.
The Rise Of LGBT Senior Housing Options
The last decade or so has seen a huge change with regards to LGBT senior housing options. Earlier, residents of various neighborhoods objected to establishing LGBT assisted living in or even within proximity of their communities. However, people have becoming more accepting lately towards others who may be different from them. Moreover, with so many older LGBT baby boomers, LGBT senior housing options have become the need of the hour.
LGBT assisted living facilities function the same way as any other senior community with one difference. At these facilities, LGBT seniors don’t have to pretend to be somebody they’re not. They know they will be welcomed, supported and accepted, which can make a world of a difference at any age, more at during a person’s golden years.
The Challenges for LGBT Older Adults
It’s an unfortunate truth that the LGBT community has faced discrimination in all aspects, whether it’s buying a home, finding employment or even with their healthcare needs. This has often resulted in LGBT people not seeking timely preventive healthcare, which is why they often have more serious illnesses.
Lack of support from the family and the community in general leaves them feeling isolated and unsupported. While a younger people may be able to cope with all of these challenges, it’s not so easy for LGBT older adults who are higher risk of feeling lonely and depressed.
Left to fend for themselves with no one to check up on their wellbeing, LGBT older adults who live at home are also more likely to skip their medications and neglect their nutrition. This creates more complications as they get older.
Finding the right LGBT assisted living in Long Beach can be a solution to these various challenges.
How To Find The Right Community
If you are an LGBT senior and are looking for LGBT friendly assisted living in Long Beach, there are three main things you should look for.
- Look for a community that is designed for LGBT seniors. It makes a big difference when the whole community is LGBT as they are more understanding of the challenges you’ve faced and are more accepting and supporting of your lifestyle.
- Make sure that the staff have undergone LGBT-sensitivity training. This is an important requirements. Staff who have been trained in this aspect are more understanding of the LGBT lifestyle and are more likely to go out of their way to make the LGBT residents feel comfortable, safe, and accepted without bias.
- Find out if the facility fosters a sense of LGBT community. Find out what types of events and activities they organize and whether these align with the LGBT lifestyle. Do they celebrate Gay Pride Month and do they organize trips so residents can attend pride celebrations?
Any LGBT friendly assisted living community in Long Beach that offers the three features above are sure to be truly supportive and accepting of your lifestyle and will go out of their way to make you feel like you belong there.
Disclaimer: Please note we are not experts in this area. The article has been put together using the information we have garnered from reliable sources. You must consult with financial experts for more information and professional advice.
