Resources for Older LGBTQ+ Adults and Their Caregivers

Where to find information, support and inclusive care

Andy Markowitz and Deirdre van Dyk

Updated February 28, 2025

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En español

Published April 25, 2017

/ Updated February 28, 2025

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Getty Images (6))

Older adults who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQ+) are twice as likely as older heterosexuals to be single and live alone and four times less likely to have children, according to research from SAGE, an advocacy and social service organization focused on LGBTQ+ elders.

That means they’re less likely to have the traditional sources of family and caregiver support on which many older adults rely. AARP’s Dignity 2024 survey of LGBTQ+ people 45 and older found that 78 percent are concerned about having adequate family or social support as they age.

“Many LGBTQ+ people are estranged from family and rely on their family of choice to provide care for them,” says Cassandra Burton, a senior advisor at AARP who conducts AARP’s biannual Dignity survey.

Getting supportive medical care is another hurdle. “They do not feel like they are being heard by health care practitioners. They feel as if their concerns are not taken seriously and are dismissed,” says Burton, who adds that poor customer service is also an issue. “All of this is problematic — three in ten respondents avoided getting medical attention when they needed it.”

For all these reasons and more, providing and arranging care for older and disabled loved ones who are LGBTQ presents unique challenges, including ensuring that medical and long-term care services are respectful, affirming and inclusive and that legal documents are in place for caregivers from outside the immediate family to carry out health care and end-of-life plans.

To help, here are some resources for finding LGBTQ+-friendly care and support.

Caregiving information

The Family Caregiver Alliance provides services for caregivers of adults with chronic physical and cognitive conditions. Its website has fact sheets and FAQs on LGBTQ+ caregiving, and its CareNav platform offers information, support and resources tailored to registered users’ individual needs.

SAGE’s National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging offers a wealth of health, policy and legal information, including a state-by-state directory of support organizations and a library of caregiving resources, some produced in partnership with AARP. SAGE has myriad other initiatives serving LGBTQ+ people 50 and older (see below for more SAGE services).

AARP’s LGBTQ+ Community Caregiving Guide offers practical guidance on developing and putting a caregiving plan in place for an LGBTQ loved one or friend. You'll find information on forming a team, accessing support, practicing self-care, navigating legal and financial issues, and more.

Caregiver communities and peer-support

Alzheimer’s Association. The research and advocacy group has resources tailored for LGBTQ+ people living with dementia and for their caregivers. Its online community, AlzConnected, has a dedicated forum for LGBTQ+ users.

CenterLink is an association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community centers with more than 270 members nationwide. Check their online locator to find the center nearest you.

LGBT National Help Center. A resource hub for information, support and referrals with online peer-support chat and a hotline (888-234-7243) for LGBTQ+ adults 50 and older to speak with a volunteer peer counselor.

SAGE has mental health support for LGBTQ+ people through its HearMe app.

AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group on Facebook, open to all caregivers, is moderated by AARP caregiving expert Amy Goyer. Users share advice and offer support as well as participate in live webinars.

Financial assistance for caregivers

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has information about health care and long-term care policies for LGBTQ+ veterans and their families, defined as “anyone whom the patient considers to be family.” Every VA health system has an LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator who can answer questions, address concerns and advocate for quality care.

Spouses and partners can also contact the main Caregiving Support Line 1-855-260-3274 for guidance. Information about Caregiver Support Teams at your local VA Medical Center can be found here.

You may also find support through the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Housemates are also eligible for benefits alongside spouses.

SAGECents, from the SAGE nonprofit, is a free digital platform with tools to help users build savings and reduce financial stress.

Inclusive healthcare

GLMA (formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association), a network of health care professionals working to advance equality in care, has a directory for LGBTQ+ patients to find welcoming providers in their area, as well as fact sheets on key health issues.

Healthcare Equality Index. Issued annually by the Human Rights Campaign, a national advocacy group, the index evaluates more than 2,200 medical facilities across the country on the basis of equity and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients and employees.

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) uses evolving clinical and academic research to establish standards of care for the treatment of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. It provides information on a spectrum of issues related to transgender health as well as a provider search engine.

Inclusive long-term care housing

Long-Term Care Equality Index. Launched in 2021 by SAGE and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the index provides data on how long-term care communities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities adopt inclusive policies, practices and services.

Legal assistance for caregivers

LGBT Family Law Institute. A joint project of the LGBTQ+ Bar and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, it offers an online member directory where you can find LGBTQ+ attorneys practicing family law in 36 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

This story, originally published in 2017, has been updated with additional resources and current statistics.

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Andy Markowitz covers Social Security and retirement for AARP. He is a former editor of the Prague Post and Baltimore City Paper.

Deirdre van Dyk is an AARP associate editor covering Social Security, caregiving, technology and fraud. She previously worked at USA Today and Time, where she covered business, government, sustainability and innovation.

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