The Health and Social Service Needs of Gay and Lesbian Seniors and Their Families: An Exploration in Three Canadian Cities

This is the executive summary of a study that explored issues related to access and equity in health service delivery for gay and lesbian seniors in three regions across Canada (Quebec, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia). Questions that were addressed include:

  • What are the experiences of gay and lesbian seniors in accessing health care services in the community?
  • What are the experiences and perspectives of caregivers caring for gay and lesbian seniors?
  • How well understood are the needs, realities and experiences of gay and lesbian seniors and their caregivers by health and social service providers? How well prepared is the health care sector to respond to these needs?

In undertaking this research, the research team and its community partners hoped not only to contribute much needed information on the experiences and realities of gay and lesbian seniors across Canada to professionals and institutions but also to begin a process of advocating for changes to the way these experiences and realities are responded to by both mainstream public sector homecare service organizations and gay and lesbian community organizations.