What you should know about LGBT assisted living
Whether you’re looking for a retirement community to live in as a couple, assisted living, skilled nursing care, or nursing home services, this guide will help LGBT people find the right resource for your situation.
What you find here:
- Unique LGBT needs and concerns regarding nursing homes
- The growing number of LGBT people are getting older
- Differences and Similarities: Assisted Living Facilities vs. Nursing Homes vs. Retirement Homes
- Assisted living facilities for LGBT people
- Financial planning for assisted living
- Tips, tools and resources for LGBT assisted living
Learn all about LGBT assisted living from Tony Ramos:
In this episode of Queer money® hear from Tony Ramos, CEO of Alta Prime Assisted Living. Located in Colorado, Alta Prime is an LGBT-friendly assisted living facility that uses converted single-family homes to house residents.
Unique LGBT needs and concerns regarding nursing homes
When searching for an assisted living facility or nursing home, there are challenges unique to the LGBT community. Here we discuss some of the most common needs and concerns that arise as LGBT people age and may require more care or support.
1. Most live alone and may not have children
According to one AARP survey of LGBT older adultsGay men are more likely to be single and live alone than lesbians. Of the over 1,700 community members surveyed, 57% of gay men were single compared to 43% of lesbians and 27% were married compared to 39% of lesbians.
When it comes to living alone, 46% of gay men and 36% of lesbians answered that they live alone. When it comes to having children, bisexual community members responded most often at 59%, while gender-expansive members were fairly close at 53%. Lesbian women were second at 43% and gay men were lowest at just 19% of children.
Given these numbers, it is not surprising that the need for assisted living among LGBT people has increased. Fortunately, people like Tony make it their mission to create barrier-free living space.
Even if you’re single and don’t have children of your own, living in a shared apartment as you get older can help combat loneliness and provide a sense of family.
2. Less retirement savings
Employment discrimination, fewer workers to do the same work, and inadequate savings are just a few of the reasons people in the LGBTQ community have less retirement savings than their heterosexual peers.
The inability to advance professionally and job losses due to inequality can slow down saving recommended $1.7 million needed for a comfortable retirement. Add that to the statistics of community members living alone, with no children and a family safety net, and it’s no wonder that 29% of respondents to an LGBT Experian survey are very concerned about their financial future in retirement.
Listen to this Queer money® to learn more about Experian’s LGBT Money Study:
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3. Rising healthcare costs
Discrimination in the LGBT community not only occurs in the workplace, but is also a reality in healthcare. Although this group is a protected class under the Affordable Care Act, members of the community still face healthcare discrimination.
In a survey conducted by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, more than half of the 3,453 LGBTQ members surveyed have experienced discrimination, comments or insults in healthcare settings (most commonly during doctor’s visits or hospital visits). ).
Additionally, community members who earn less than their heterosexual peers are less likely to be able to afford health insurance premiums. This, coupled with the possibility of discrimination and fear of poorer quality of care, reduces the likelihood of even seeing a doctor. For those who are eligible, there is great concern about the affordability of copays, testing and prescriptions.
PolicyGenius’ Myles Ma shares more about what ACA means for LGBT people:
While the ACA provides subsidies to help cover health care costs, a repeal or change could reduce the number of community members who can afford premiums or pay health care costs out of pocket. An amendment could also eliminate discrimination protections, further restricting LGBTQ access to health care.
The same subsidies and protections provided by the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid have also likely increased the cost of health insurance for the general public.
You no longer have to handle healthcare alone.
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Nursing care insurance (LTCI) can be a way to offset the higher cost of health insurance as you age. Uses are limited, but for those who have it, long-term care insurance can be the answer to help finance medical care and facility costs later in life.
Learn more about LTCI from Ryan Taylor of LGBT Financial:
The growing number of LGBT people are getting older
As the population ages, more people are turning 65 faster than previous generations.
More LGBT elders will turn 65 in the next 10 years
Statistics from SAGE show that there could be expected to be up to 7 million LGBT elders (over 50) by 2030.
As the number of older people continues to increase, reducing housing discrimination and the availability of LGBT-friendly housing is more necessary than ever. The numbers continue to rise. Can the difficult housing market for LGBT people keep up?
SAGE’s National LGBT Elder Housing Initiative works hard to ensure adequate housing for the aging LGBT population, including:
- Education about housing rights
- Cultural training for geriatric nurses
- Doubling down on LGBT-friendly housing to attract developers
Over 2 million LGBT seniors are currently age 60 or older
The American Psychological Association estimates that 2.4 million LGBT people are already 65 years old, although some sources state that number is as low as 1.1 million. Regardless, the number of LGBT people already age 65 or older is large and is expected to more than triple in the next decade.
The reality of discrimination in housing and healthcare and the need for broader rights and access have never been more important.
If you’re not seriously considering retirement, now is the time. The younger you are, the more time you need to save for the future. Here are some tips Tony gives in his episode:
- Invest in a house
- As you get older, stay informed about the facilities and options available (cost, criteria, location, etc.).
- Consider long-term care insurance
- Find out about the benefits of marriage (if it is an option).
- Understand Social Security benefits and their availability
22 LGBTQ-Friendly Nursing Homes
Currently there is only 22 LGBT friendly Retirement communities in the United States. o Find out where each facility is located, eligibility criteria and services broken down by state. This post will continue to be updated as new communities are added.
The Reality of Housing Discrimination
A SAGE study shows that 48% of LGBTQ elders have experienced some form of housing discrimination during their lifetime. Unfortunately, this is a fear for many, and for good reason. Especially for those who do not have their own lawyer in the form of a partner or spouse.
Some states have acted and passed laws to protect the most vulnerable. The Fair and Equal Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. This law has been enacted in 21 states and the District of Columbia. You can find out which federal states have this housing protection here Here.
Listen to attorney Liz Schwartz share the additional backlash facing LGBT people:
Differences and Similarities: Assisted Living Facilities vs. Nursing Homes vs. Retirement Homes
Not sure what differentiates an assisted living facility from a nursing home? Curious how retirement communities work?
All your questions have been answered here. Let’s go over the differences and similarities between these offerings.
LGBT Senior Housing Definitions
- Assisted living facilities are similar to community centers. Elderly people do not require around-the-clock care, but may require assistance with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Nursing homes can also be referred to as skilled or unskilled nursing. They provide both medical and personal care and focus more on medical care. Residents typically require around-the-clock care but are not unwell enough to require hospitalization.
- Senior communities are sometimes referred to as independent living facilities. Here people live alone in an apartment or house without being dependent on help or medical care.
Accommodations for LGBT seniors
LGBT residents in Assisted living residents typically live in an apartment or a separate room with a common area within the facility. The size can vary depending on the location and can accommodate just 25 to well over 100 residents.
Nursing home residents typically stay temporarily until they can go home or spend the rest of their lives in the facility. The house has a more clinical feel and could even look like a hospital. A shared room is available to residents; A single room is more expensive but can be accommodated depending on the facility.
Retirement communities are similar to all-ages apartment communities and allow residents to live separately in a house or apartment (they may live with a roommate or spouse). Depending on the community, there may be a shared common room that provides opportunities for socializing with other residents. Maintenance costs, housekeeping, transportation, meals and additional costs can usually be covered at additional cost to the resident.
Types of Services for LGBT Seniors
The The types of services offered at each facility type can vary greatly depending on the level of care needed and how much the resident can afford. This can range from 24-hour on-site security to medication administration to restaurant service and everything in between. Every facility is slightly different. Therefore, it is advisable to determine the type of services you or your LGBT loved one needs and then find the most suitable senior housing.
1. Dementia care
For LGBT elders suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s, there are care options in assisted living or nursing home facilities.
2. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
LGBT-friendly assisted living facilities and nursing homes provide assistance in meeting one or more of the six basic ADLs:
- Transmitted
- Bathe
- dressing
- Eat
- Going to the toilet
- Continence
3. Care
LGBT care can include dispensing medications, transportation to medical appointments, wound care, and memory care. Residents of nursing homes or assisted living need temporary or permanent help with care, depending on their personal situation.
4. Maintenance
One of the advantages of living in an LGBT retirement community is that maintenance can be included in the monthly costs, but in some cases it is charged separately. This can include home maintenance such as housekeeping, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning services, lawn care, laundry services, etc. The facilities also maintain grounds, and some even have manicured garden areas available to residents.
5. Activities
All three types of living arrangements could include one or more of the following types of activities for residents to keep their minds awake and combat boredom:
- Educational programs
- Cinemas
- Libraries
- Gyms
- Pools
- sport
- Art spaces
- Organized leisure activities
- Wellness programs
Activities and offerings vary by facility and may include others not listed.
6. Emergency call systems
Most assisted living and nursing homes have systems in place, both public and private, that are available 24 hours a day so that LGBT residents who need assistance can receive it. This may also be offered in some independent living communities.
7. Security
Safety is particularly important for people living alone. Security is on site during the day and some facilities are staffed 24 hours a day. Residents can feel safe knowing there are security guards to ensure their safety.
Some LGBT retirement communities with over-55s will also have security patrols monitoring the neighborhood to ensure no one is there who does not live there or has not been invited by a resident.
8. Couples’ inclusivity
Nursing homes typically do not allow LGBT-T couples or heterosexual couples to live together in the same room. This is primarily due to the medical care required. Unless your spouse also requires skilled nursing care, they will need to live elsewhere.
LGBT retirement communities accommodate couples, and assisted living communities may also do so, although it depends on the specific community. Learn more about couples inclusion in different types of senior communities Here.
9. Daily activities/lifestyle
People are admitted to assisted living facilities because they cannot perform one or more of the ADLs and need assistance. Their quality of life can improve with this support while reducing isolation and loneliness through social activities such as games, music and art programs, and other social activities designed to bring residents together.
Recreational activities may also be offered, including sports, cinemas, gyms, libraries, swimming pools, etc. Staff also handle medication management to ensure dosage is correct and patients are taking what they should be taking at the right time.
Some institutions may also offer educational and cultural programs as part of their social activities. Fall prevention and memory care programs may also be available for those who need them.
10. Required Certifications/Qualifications
Every Nursing home To operate, the facility must have Medicare certification and accreditation. Inspections are conducted regularly, although criteria vary by state. Registered nurses (RNs) prepare assessments and care plans for residents and are required to have either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and pass a state licensing exam, which is renewed every two years.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide skilled medical care (wound care, medication management, etc.) and are required to complete an accredited LPN program. They also have a state license that must be renewed every two years.
Like nursing homes, assisted living, also known as group homes, must be certified and accredited by Medicare. There are also requirements that must be met for housing arrangements, intake, discharge, and state-approved procedures for staffing and training.
RNs and LPNs undergo the same training and licensing as nursing homes, and business managers are also certified. Each state varies with the necessary requirements that can be found Here.
Senior communities are set up depending on the type of needs required. Communities with multiple units in a building or with integrated amenities may need to be certified by the state to call themselves a 55+ community. This certification means affordable housing, controlled rent increases, low taxes, low crime, etc. to attract older people to the community location.
There is one common rules and regulations Members must agree to this, regardless of whether they live in a single-family or multi-family apartment. Residents must certify that they are 55 or older, and the property manager is required to keep at least 80 percent of residents in that age group, sometimes more, depending on the state.
What is more expensive?
Genworth said nursing home costs will be the highest because of the amount of medical care residents need. A private room can cost more than $10,000 per month.
Comparing assisted living vs. senior living community costs can vary depending on location, amenities, and services offered. According to a 2019 AARP study, the monthly cost could be as low as $2,500 or more than $6,000, with a national average of $3,600 per month.
The cost of senior living communities can also vary, again depending on the location and amenities offered. According to Seniorhomes.com, seniors can expect to pay as little as $500 per month or well over $8,000 per month to live in an independent living community.
Assisted living facilities for LGBT people
Most LGBT retirement homes are designed for older people who can live independently without medical care. However, there are some two LGBT-friendly communities in California that offer assisted living: Fountaingrove Lodge in Santa Rosa and Stonewall Gardens in Palm Springs.
1. Stonewall Gardens
The Stonewall Gardens facility is staffed 24 hours a day, so residents are never alone. They exclusively accommodate the LGBT community, so you don’t have to worry about discrimination or the need to hide your true self.
Most amenities are included in the monthly cost and include, but are not limited to:
- Support with ADLs
- Medication management
- Wheelchair-accessible showers
- All meals
- Social activities
- Weekly cleaning and laundry service
2. Fountaingrove Lodge
Fountaingrove Lodge offers many of the same amenities and services as Stonewall Gardens, providing a luxurious experience for its LGBTQ residents. Pets are allowed here and can be accommodated for an additional fee.
Residents also have access to errands and grocery shopping, spa facilities, a fitness center, a salon, a movie theater, a winery, and a heated outdoor pool, to name a few.
The idea is that residents never have to leave the site unless they want (and can) to.
Lesbian Retirement Communities
Currently, we are only aware of three lesbian-specific senior communities. Although a shortlist, the hope is that this community offering will expand as interest increases. To find these lesbian retirement communities, please visit this page.
LGBT Retirement Communities
Although the number of retirement homes serving the LGBT community is not large, there are still options in 13 states and the District of Columbia. Check the entries Here to learn more about each community and find the right solution for you.
Assisted Living Costs
Now that we’ve discussed the differences between types of senior care facilities, let’s take a look at the typical monthly expenses for assisted living.
Average monthly costs
According to Genworth’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, the national average cost of assisted living is $4,051. These numbers can vary greatly depending on where you live and the services you need.
Medicare/Medicaid insurance?
Medicare does not cover long-term care services, including assisted living. Medicaid covers long-term care services, and that is appreciated one in six Medicaid recipients Use their benefits to cover some or all of the assisted living costs.
Financial planning for assisted living
Given the high costs of assisted living, what can you do to be in a better financial position if you need care?
Financial planning for retirement is a top priority for LGBT people, but studies show that we don’t trust traditional financial services because history makes us assume that financial services providers either don’t know how to work with us or don’t want to work with us. But studies also show that people who use a financial planner have more money in retirement. So what can a queer person do?
Fortunately, We worked with GuideVine to create a seamless way for queer people to find queer and allied advisors. GuideVine allows you to fully vet a potential advisor and also meet them virtually via video, long before you set foot in an office.
To learn more about GuideVine and its great pool of financial advisors, Click on this link here.
Here’s what you need to have saved and invested in case you need assisted living at some point in your life.
What is the minimum amount I need to save to be able to move into assisted living?
Moving into an assisted living facility costs an average of $80,000 per year. That number rises to over $100,000 for primary care and $120,000 or more for specialty care.
Given these staggering numbers, is it any wonder that retirement planning is so important? If you’re worried it’s too late to start planning for your retirement, listen to this episode of Queer money® with Teresa Mears from Live cheaply.
Listen to Teresa talk about late retirement planning:
Click here for more resources to help you create an action plan to have the retirement you want.
What steps should I take if I am an LGBT senior, need or want assisted living, and have little money?
Paying for assisted living as a senior with little money can be difficult. Depending on your situation, you may have more options than other LGBT elders in the same position.
If you’re a veteran, you may have Access to benefits to bear the costs. If you own your home and don’t plan on returning it, selling could be an option. If there is a possibility of return, you may consider renting out the home if you are the sole owner of the home to use the proceeds to cover assisted living costs.
Touring different facilities can help determine which one best suits your needs and budget. You might also consider hiring a roommate to split the costs. If you have life insurance, there may also be ways to access some of the coverage to cover assisted living costs.
Below are tips on how to extend the life of your retirement savings:
Tips, tools and resources for LGBT assisted living
How Tony became interested in residential aged care
- Helping Grandmother Explore Possibilities
- Heart to “take care of ourselves”
- Experience in hotel management
How Alta Prime is different from other facilities
- Converted single-family home
- More control in a smaller setting
- Personal support and individual adaptation
The costs of care in retirement homes
- Average of $80,000 per year for an assisted care facility
- $8-10,000/month for institutional settings ($12-15,000 for specialized care)
- Conventional health insurance does not help cover the costs
- Long-term care plans offset some expenses
The financial advantage of a smaller residential complex
- Cheaper than institutional care
- Lack of availability of Medicaid homes
How long do people stay in assisted living facilities?
- Varies depending on where you live and specialization
- The average stay is two to three years
The difference between assisted living facilities and nursing homes
- Assisted living offers a 24-hour concierge service and may use outside providers to provide medical care
- Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care
The customers were looked after by Alta Prime
- 65 and older
- Outpatient
- Need help with bathing and cooking
- Parkinson’s patients
The standard services available at an Alta Prime facility
- 24/7 monitoring
- 3 nutritious meals, hydration and snacks throughout the day
- Medication administration
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Errands
- Bathe, get ready
- Social activities
- Exercise to minimize the risk of dementia
- Trips (e.g. Rockies game)
- “Spoil the seniors”
- Come and go as you please
The availability of LGBT-exclusive senior living facilities in the United States
- Only a handful in the country
- Fountain Grove Lodge, Stonewall Gardens, Rainbow Vision, Birds of a Feather, Triangle Square
The special needs of the older LGBT community
- Some are still struggling with HIV
- Limiting Beliefs
- Fear of isolation, loneliness
The numbers surrounding the aging LGBT population
- Three million in the LGBT community over 55
- Will double in the next 20 years
- 51% of the older LGBT community are worried about their financial future
- 2/3 of older transsexuals fear that they will be denied access to medical treatment
- 24% of older LGBT people of color have experienced housing discrimination
- 71% of the LGBT population fear not having the money to have a happy retirement
Discrimination against LGBT seniors in nursing homes
- Statements from older seniors about discrimination and isolation
- Verbal abuse from staff and other residents
- Some cases of physical abuse
Tony’s suggestions for preparing for retirement
- Planning is crucial
- Research available services and access to finance
- Consider long-term care insurance
- Purchase a retirement vehicle (e.g. Roth IRA, 401(k))
- Build wealth by investing in a home
- Discover the benefits of Social Security at MassMutual.com/social-security
- Study the financial benefits of marriage
Why Tony is passionate about caring for LGBT seniors
- Celebrate by giving space to share lives and stories
- Grateful for the strength and resilience of an older generation
Contact Tony Ramos at Alta Prime Assisted Living
Gay Retirement Communities
Gay Retirement Communities in California
- Fountaingrove Lodge
- Assisted Living at Stonewall Gardens
- Gay and lesbian senior housing
- North Park Senior Apartments
Gay Retirement Communities in Florida
- The resort on Carefree Boulevard
- The Palms of Manasota
- Wilton Manors
Gay Retirement Communities in New York
- Crotona senior residences
- Ingersoll Senior Residences
LGBT Assisted Living Resources
Mandy Sleight is a professional freelance writer who also provides editing and proofreading services to a wide range of clients. Because of her vast experience, her work has been featured in Kiplinger, Market Watch, Money Geek and other major publications. If you would like to contact Mandy, you can find her on Facebook or LinkedIn or at Contact us on their website Contact page.