Synopsis
This 2015 report serves as a model for a how a State worked with LGBT stakeholders through an LGBT Aging Commission resulting in recommendations for LGBT older adult data collection, needs assessments, cultural competency training and evaluation, outreach and access, service delivery, complaint resolution and legislation.
The Commission believes strongly that the disparity in LGBT utilization of publicly-funded and regulated aging services must be removed from the policy closet. Without policy and program reforms designed to improve both access and utilization, the growing cohort of aging LGBT people will continue to eschew accessing elder services.
In this report the Massachusetts LGBT Aging Commission makes recommendations in five major areas: long term support services, housing, public health, senior centers and community engagement, and legal considerations. It also makes recommendations regarding data collection, needs assessment, cultural competency training and evaluation, outreach and access, service delivery, complaint resolution, and legislation.
