Exploring LGBTQ+ Dementia Resources & Challenges
Living with memory loss is difficult enough on its own, but for LGBTQ+ people, it presents an additional set of unique challenges that may be difficult to manage. A common problem that occurs for people living with dementia is forgetting what they have expressed to their family and friends about their identity, which can lead to past fears and confusion arising.
Unique Challenges in the Community
Although there are hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people in our country who are living with dementia, it may still be harder for this population to find the appropriate resources – and there may be more hurdles than usual to get over. Some people can also have a negative perception of health institutions if they have been treated poorly in the past, and many do not share their sexual orientation with their care providers. These are just a few of the reasons why it is so important to find centers that are inclusive and have been approved by the community. Studies show that roughly a third of LGBTQ+ adults live alone, and that presents a different set of obstacles – which our organization is uniquely set up to address with the ALZ Ally program for people in San Diego County.
Another key factor to keep in mind is always having a medical decision maker (a.k.a. health care proxy) in place. They are crucial in the event of an emergency or other medical situations so that your preferences can be relayed to care providers even when you personally cannot communicate them. See more in-depth information on this topic through the National Institute on Aging.
On this note, we have a handful of resources listed that can be used to find healthcare, community centers, and more in your area. To receive personalized dementia support regarding your specific situation, call us at 858.492.4400 to speak with our team who is here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available).
Additional LGBTQ+ and Dementia Resources
