News coverage of the health care needs of LGBT individuals tends to focus on young people. What about the needs of older LGBT adults? Research shows that nearly half of LGBT older adults report they have disability, one-third report they are depressed, and more than one out of five say they have not disclosed their sexual or gender identity to their physician. With nearly 3 million adults age 50 and older in the U.S. self-identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, we discuss their unique needs and hear their stories. We speak to Bethany Henderson, a social worker who until recently worked with LGBT elders at Chase Brexton, and Jessica Rowe, a licensed clinical social worker and member of the Howard County Older Adult LGBT Task Force.
And up front, the firing of several Chase Brexton employees who worked with LGBT patients sparked protests this month. We’ll discuss that with Sun reporter Andrea McDaniels.
