Sarah McMullen-Roach, Saravana Kumar, Maria Inacio, Carolyn Murray
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Abstract
Background and objectives: LGBTI+ older adults have experienced historical and systemic discrimination. Such discrimination has led to health inequities and avoidance of services. As LGBTI+ people age, they may need to access services, but information about this experience is situated in small-scale qualitative studies. As such this meta-synthesis aimed to bring together the perspectives and experiences of LGBTI+ older adults in literature about engagement with long-term care services.
Research design and methods: A meta-synthesis with a meta-ethnographic approach was conducted with qualitative published and gray literature. Findings were then confirmed through community consultation conducted with LGBTI+ adults aged 50.
Results: A total of 55 qualitative studies were included in the meta-synthesis. LGBTI+ older adults' perspectives and experiences were synthesized into 4 key themes: (1) We see it as being heterosexualized, (2) With no one there to guard us, (3) You have to hide 90% of yourself, and (4) I don't want a different service, I want a good service.
Discussion and implications: Overarching heterosexism, experiences of discrimination, and complexities in maintaining identity all contributed to a predominately negative experience for LGBTI+ adults when engaging with long-term care. These experiences were found to align with "minority stress" theory. Our review found that a multilevel approach that included staff education, LGBTI+ affirmative care, and signs and symbols of inclusivity was required to reduce the impact of minority stress experienced by LGBTI+ older adults and to increase their engagement in long-term care services.
期刊介绍：
The Gerontologist, published since 1961, is a bimonthly journal of The Gerontological Society of America that provides a multidisciplinary perspective on human aging by publishing research and analysis on applied social issues. It informs the broad community of disciplines and professions involved in understanding the aging process and providing care to older people. Articles should include a conceptual framework and testable hypotheses. Implications for policy or practice should be highlighted. The Gerontologist publishes quantitative and qualitative research and encourages manuscript submissions of various types including: research articles, intervention research, review articles, measurement articles, forums, and brief reports. Book and media reviews, International Spotlights, and award-winning lectures are commissioned by the editors.
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