Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults: Clinical Excellence in
Senior Care (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Ellen Fink-Samnick
This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard Medbridge courses.
LGBTQ+ older adults frequently avoid essential home-based and hospice services due to a historical legacy of institutional discrimination and a fear of encountering bias from providers. This course addresses this critical practice gap by equipping home-based practitioners with the cultural competency and practical skills necessary to bridge the trust gap. Participants will explore the unique social determinants of health affecting this population, including the impact of the AIDS crisis and the premarriage equality era. Through a combination of historical context, terminology reviews, and case studies, this webinar provides a roadmap for delivering inclusive, safe, and dignified care. The content is specifically designed to align with Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. Chapter 19A, Section 43), which mandates LGBTQ+ awareness training for all state-funded elder service providers.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the impact of historical and institutional discrimination on the willingness of LGBTQ+ older adults to access home-based healthcare services
- Apply current LGBTQ+ terminology and definitions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity to clinical intake and daily care interactions
- Evaluate the specific challenges faced by transgender older adults within healthcare institutions to improve person-centered care protocols
- Synthesize organizational and individual best practices to create a “culture of competence” that fosters safety and trust for LGBTQ+ clients and their caregivers
- Demonstrate strategies for managing conflicts between personal beliefs and professional ethical duties when providing inclusive care
Meet your instructor
Ellen Fink-Samnick
Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick is an award-winning industry entrepreneur who empowers healthcare’s interprofessional workforce. She is known as Professional Case Management’s Ethical Compass and for her work in health equity, integrated care, interprofessional teams, professional case management, quality, and trauma-informed…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. History, Stigma, and the Trust Gap
In this chapter, we explore the historical context shaping LGBTQ+ aging today—from decades spent living in the closet, through the AIDS crisis, to life before marriage equality. We'll also look at national data showing that LGBTQ+ older adults live alone at higher rates and have smaller support networks than their heterosexual peers.
2. Communication and Terminology for theHome Setting
In this chapter, we examine the unique experiences and healthcare barriers facing transgender individuals, along with the professional responsibility to separate personal beliefs from clinical duty. We'll also cover best practices for intake processes and home-visit etiquette to ensure respectful, effective care.
3. Applying Best Practices and Regulatory Compliance
In this chapter, we take a detailed look at M.G.L. Chapter 19A, Section 43, which mandates training for all state-funded providers, and explore best practices at both the individual and organizational levels—covering policies and data practices alike. Through case studies, we'll model positive versus problematic interactions in home health and hospice settings to bring these concepts to life.
4. Question and Answer Session
In this chapter, we'll review and answer the questions asked during the webinar.
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