INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS, COMMUNICATION, AND CULTURALLY RESPECTFUL CARE FOR LGBTQ+ OLDER ADULTS - Symposium Session 4240 - Abstract

Sep 28, 2026

LGBTQ+ aging research emphasizes inclusivity, targeted provider education, and systemic responsiveness in healthcare settings. This symposium consolidates four complementary studies on older LGBTQ+ populations. Findings address affirming experiences of older gay men using Minority Stress Theory and Queer Gerontology, highlighting clinician-patient connection, respectful communication, and sexuality disclosure. An educational intervention uses Advance Directive Mini-Plays to improve provider confidence in advance care planning. A nationwide assessment of VA Home-Based Primary Care identifies training gaps, and a Veterans Community Living Center evaluation shows measurable inclusivity gains across services, benefits, and engagement via structured assessment, training, and policy enhancements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Symposium Session 4240

Inclusive, targeted provider education and systemic responsiveness

Four complementary studies and their key findings

SESSION 4240 (SYMPOSIUM) Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1811 INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS, COMMUNICATION, AND CULTURALLY RESPECTFUL CARE FOR LGBTQ+ OLDER ADULTS Chair: Korijna Valenti Discussant: Jennifer Carnahan LGBTQ+ aging research increasingly underscores the necessity of inclusivity, targeted provider education, and systemic responsiveness in healthcare settings. This symposium integrates findings from four complementary studies addressing these crucial areas among older LGBTQ+ populations. Dr. Valenti and colleagues apply Minority Stress Theory and Queer Gerontology frameworks to highlight affirming healthcare experiences of older gay men living with serious illnesses in the Deep South. Their analysis identifies clinician-patient connection, respectful communication, and sexuality disclosure as key facilitators of genuinely patient-centered care. Dr. Bybee presents an innovative educational method employing Advance Directive Mini-Plays, demonstrating that interactive theater significantly enhances healthcare providers’ understanding and confidence in facilitating advance care planning discussions with LGBTQ+ patients and their support networks. Dr. Lee and colleagues offer results from a nationwide landscape assessment of theVA’s Home-Based Primary Care program, identifying substantial gaps in staff training and preparedness to support older sexual and gender minority veterans effectively. Although clinicians expressed general awareness of unique LGBTQ+ healthcare needs, findings underscore a critical demand for enhanced, tailored training resources to promote affirming care practices. Dr. Hilgeman’s formative evaluation utilizing the Long-Term Care Equality Index in a Veterans Community Living Center provides measurable evidence of improvements in inclusivity across resident services, employee benefits, and community engagement through structured assessments, comprehensive staff training, and targeted policy enhancements. Collectively, these presentations highlight advancements achieved, barriers remaining, and strategies required to systematically ensure equitable and affirming healthcare experiences for LGBTQ+ older adults, offering practical implications for future research, policy, and clinical practice improvements. Rainbow Research Group Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

FAQs

What is the symposium’s main focus regarding LGBTQ+ older adults?

It examines how to ensure inclusive, culturally respectful healthcare for LGBTQ+ older adults through better communication, provider education, and systemic responsiveness.

How does the symposium support patient-centered care in serious-illness contexts?

It identifies clinician-patient connection, respectful communication, and sexuality disclosure as key facilitators of genuinely patient-centered care.

What educational approach was highlighted to improve provider advance care planning discussions?

Advance Directive Mini-Plays, an interactive theater method, improves providers’ understanding and confidence when facilitating advance care planning with LGBTQ+ patients and their support networks.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Genevieve