The Impact of Trauma History on End of Life for LGBT Elders
February 2018 | Rev. Mary Martha Thiel ACPE Certified Education BCC APC Director of Clinical Pastoral Education Hebrew SeniorLife
Today’s LGBT elders may find the end of life more challenging than do other elders. Various subgroups of LGBT elders are more likely than their non-LGBT peers to suffer from mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and be living with HIV/AIDS. Many do not have the biological family support that others do, and many suffer from lower socio-economic status, with less access to quality health care and health insurance.
This fact sheet provides an understanding of how a history of trauma may impact end of life spiritual support for LGBT elders and suggestions for professional caregivers.