Care and LGBT Aging in Canada: A Focus Group Study on the Educational Gaps among Care Workers.

OBJECTIVES: Educational interventions have the potential to equip healthcare providers to support diverse aging populations. The purpose of this research was to identify educational gaps hindering the provision of person-centered care to older adults who identify as LGBT.

METHODS: Three focus groups were conducted in urban centers in northern, southern, and eastern Ontario with healthcare professionals and frontline staff. Semi-structured focus group discussion guides were developed based on the literature identifying some of the knowledge gaps, attitudes, challenges, and barriers around providing care for older LGBT adults.

RESULTS: The focus group data revealed several key findings related to 1) lack of curricula within formal education; 2) the need to create safer physical and social environments; and 3) the need to build relationships with LGBT-focused groups/organizations.

CONCLUSIONS: Care providers want to provide open space for sexual and gender diverse older adults but lack the knowledge to do so.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: There is an ongoing gap within formal education systems such that historically marginalized populations who are now aging may be systemically neglected within formal curricula.