End-Of-Life and Palliative Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, or Another Diverse Gender Identity Older Adults

Clin Geriatr Med. 2024 May;40(2):333-345. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2023.11.004. Epub 2024 Jan 29.

Abstract

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for people with serious illnesses and their loved ones. This article introduces considerations including barriers to care, intersectionality, minority stress, microaggressions, and social safety that may impact the experience and openness of people to receive this care. The authors outline tools to address these challenges including trauma-informed care and how to recognize bias and earn trust. The authors conclude by offering a model for incorporating these assessments and tools with sample scripts to provide patient-centered and holistic palliative care.

Keywords: End of life; Hospice; LGBTQ; Palliative care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Death
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Palliative Care
  • Quality of Life
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*
  • Transgender Persons*