Pretend I Know Nothing About - S3 E7 - Championing LGBTQ+ Elders: Intergenerational Support and Advocacy

S3 E7 - Championing LGBTQ+ Elders: Intergenerational Support and Advocacy

11/04/24 • 49 min

How can organizations like the COAAA ensure that their inclusivity efforts address the needs of both their LGBTQ+ staff and community members?

Let's talk about the intergenerational dynamics within the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus. We cover everything from the critical needs of older LGBTQ+ adults, facing 13 anti-trans bills in Ohio, to the power of trauma-informed care. We discuss innovative community efforts, essential inclusivity, and the necessity for more tailored resources. Guests Al Cho, a Senior Options case manager, and Kayla Humphrey, management analyst, and chair of the PRIDE Committee, share real-life examples and a vision for better support systems.

Key Takeaways

**Intergenerational Interaction**: Notable intergenerational interactions exist within the Columbus LGBTQ+ community, such as the Columbus Women's Chorus and the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. These interactions foster mutual support and shared experiences across generations.

**Legislative Challenges**: Ohio currently faces 13 anti-trans bills, with two already passed in 2024. This underscores the importance of leveraging the strength and experience of older generations to combat such legislative challenges.

**Community Engagement**: The pride committee at CRAAA is focusing on increasing community presence and support for LGBTQ+ older adults, as highlighted by Kayla Humphrey's survey results prioritizing community engagement and advocacy.

**Limited Resources for Older LGBTQ+ Adults**: Many resources and support efforts currently focus more on younger LGBTQ+ populations, highlighting the need for more resources and support specifically catered to older LGBTQ+ individuals.

**Specialized Programs**: If resources were unlimited, extensive programs envisioned for LGBTQ+ older adults include case management, friendly caller programs, technological education, and intergenerational support.

**Intentional Trauma-Informed Care**: The conversation emphasized the need for intentional, trauma-informed care and tailored resources for LGBTQ+ older adults, recognizing the unique challenges faced by this population.

**Support Systems and Psychological Well-being**: Support systems are psychologically crucial for individuals with limited resources, especially older generations who may have experienced significant caution and fear during the HIV epidemic.

**Education and Inclusivity**: There's a need for ongoing educational efforts about LGBTQ+ individuals and HIV, especially within immigrant and refugee populations, to foster inclusivity and understanding.

**Kindness and Compassion**: Emphasizing the role of kindness and compassion in community support, it is vital to meet people where they are, listen intently, and validate chosen families and personal identities.

**Updated Regulations Impact**: Updates to the Older Americans Act provide formal acknowledgment and protection for LGBTQ+ older adults and those aging with HIV, ensuring they feel included and their specific needs are addressed.

Key Moments

00:00 Discussing updates to Older Americans Act regulations.

03:23 Elevating older LGBTQ+ and aging HIV populations.

08:54 Chronic minority stress worsens health, causing risks.

10:10 HIV medications prolong life, risk liver damage.

15:38 Older LGBTQ+ adults face isolation and poverty.

16:39 Older adults feel lonely, lack appropriate resources.

22:45 LGBTQ+ faced oppression, silence, then pride generation.

26:49 Importance of empathy and safety in relationships.

29:37 Lack of intergenerational structures, but desire exists.

33:13 Rural background, city issues surprisingly similar.

37:04 Pride committee welcomes everyone, focuses on community involvement.

41:21 Advocate program for LGBTQ+ seniors' support and intergenerational events.

42:47 Intentional, trauma-informed care for LGBTQ+ adults.

46:35 Lean in, respect chosen family, show support.

Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at [email protected]!

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

How can organizations like the COAAA ensure that their inclusivity efforts address the needs of both their LGBTQ+ staff and community members?

Key Takeaways

Key Moments

00:00 Discussing updates to Older Americans Act regulations.

03:23 Elevating older LGBTQ+ and aging HIV populations.

08:54 Chronic minority stress worsens health, causing risks.

10:10 HIV medications prolong life, risk liver damage.

15:38 Older LGBTQ+ adults face isolation and poverty.

16:39 Older adults feel lonely, lack appropriate resources.

22:45 LGBTQ+ faced oppression, silence, then pride generation.

26:49 Importance of empathy and safety in relationships.

29:37 Lack of intergenerational structures, but desire exists.

33:13 Rural background, city issues surprisingly similar.

37:04 Pride committee welcomes everyone, focuses on community involvement.

41:21 Advocate program for LGBTQ+ seniors' support and intergenerational events.

42:47 Intentional, trauma-informed care for LGBTQ+ adults.

46:35 Lean in, respect chosen family, show support.

Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at [email protected]!

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Previous Episode

S3 E6 - BoldAge PACE

What distinguishes the PACE model from other Medicaid managed care programs, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness and service delivery?

Joining us are two incredible guests, Heidi Webster, National Director of Business Development for BoldAge PACE, and Jeremy Diaz, Executive Director for the Columbus BoldAge PACE.

The PACE model has been around since the early 1970s, originating in San Francisco with the On Lok community. It became a federal program integrated into Medicare and Medicaid by the late 1990s. Now, this holistic care model is expanding in Ohio, aiming to provide comprehensive healthcare for seniors right in their homes.

In today’s discussion, we’ll cover everything from the financial operations and cost-effectiveness of PACE, to how BoldAge PACE is addressing key community issues such as housing and food insecurity. We’ll also dive into the detailed application process and the vital importance of community support and engagement.

Key Moments

08:40 PACE model: Elder care since 1970s; expanded nationwide.

13:00 PACE adoption in Ohio spearheaded by LeadingAge.

14:40 PACE applications are lengthy but completed quickly.

18:21 PACE program: holistic care for independent living.

22:02 Trained staff ensures LGBTQ+ elders feel welcome.

27:26 Comprehensive care team supports participants' daily needs.

30:02 PACE prevents rehospitalization, ensures post-discharge medical care.

33:32 PACE program: local day centers cater to needs.

37:31 Personalized healthcare and entertainment for participants' needs.

39:07 Care plans created and reevaluated every 6 months.

43:57 PACE is underutilized yet should be embraced.

Top Takeaways

Sure, here are ten takeaway concepts from the episode of "Pretend I Know Nothing" entitled "PACE Final":

Originated in the early 1970s with the On Lok community in San Francisco. Became a federal program under the Balanced Budget Act in the late 1990s and was integrated into Medicare and Medicaid.

Expansion and Introduction to Ohio - Relatively new to Ohio, with organizations like Bold Age PACE and McGregor PACE operating in the state. Statewide expansion efforts saw Bold Age PACE applying and receiving licenses for Franklin, Montgomery, and Lucas counties.

Financing and Cost-Effectiveness - Targets dual-eligible Medicare and Medicaid participants, funded on a per participant per month basis. Demonstrated cost savings of about 13% compared to other Medicaid managed care programs.

Comprehensive Care and Benefits - Provides integrated care encompassing medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, and more without co-pays. Offers an alternative to nursing homes, supporting participants to remain at home. Day centers offer transportation, meals, social activities, and healthcare services. Activities and therapies aimed at enhancing quality of life and reducing depression and isolation.

Participants must be 55 years or older and meet state-approved nursing home levels of care. Must reside in approved counties/zones and have safe community housing.

Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at [email protected]!

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Pretend I Know Nothing About - S3 E7 - Championing LGBTQ+ Elders: Intergenerational Support and Advocacy

Transcript

Katie White [00:00:11]:

Welcome to Pretend I Know Nothing About. I'm Katie White, your host, Administrator of COAAA.

Katie White [00:00:17]:

On today's episode, we hear from Al Cho and Kayla Humphrey about unique considerations and challenges for the LGBTQ plus aging population. Let's get into it. Well, welcome to the podcast. Thank you so much for being here today. Let's start with introductions. Al, tell us your name, what program you're working in, and what you did befo