Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults and Those Who Care for Them
Caregiving is a cornerstone of healthy aging and helps many older adults remain independent, connected, and engaged in their communities. Within LGBTQ+ communities, caregiving is especially important because many older adults rely on partners, friends, and chosen family for support, often in place of traditional family structures. These caregiving relationships are vital to helping LGBTQ+ older adults age safely and with dignity. As the LGBTQ+ older adult population is projected to reach nearly 5 million by 2030, the need to strengthen support for caregivers—and the people they care for—will continue to grow.
While caregiving can be deeply rewarding, LGBTQ+ people may face additional barriers when caring for others and when accessing care themselves. Caregivers often balance multiple responsibilities while navigating complex healthcare, long-term care, and community support systems, advocating for loved ones, and identifying affirming resources and services. At the same time, many of these systems have not always reflected or recognized the diversity of LGBTQ+ families and caregiving relationships, creating additional challenges for both caregivers and the people they support.
Caregiver Support at MiGen
At MiGen, supporting LGBTQ+ caregivers extends beyond meeting immediate needs. Our work combines direct support, education, partnerships, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts to strengthen caregiver networks while advancing more affirming, responsive systems of care for LGBTQ+ older adults and those who care for them.
- Providing emotional support and social connection through our monthly virtual Caregiver Support Group and Friendly Caller Program, creating opportunities for caregivers to build supportive relationships and reduce isolation.
- Helping caregivers navigate aging and support systems by offering information and assistance, care coordination, advocacy, referrals, long-term care planning,and connections to affirming community resources.
- Reducing financial and practical barriers with assistance accessing public benefits, caregiver payment programs, basic needs support when available, and other community resources.
- Building caregiver knowledge and confidence by offering LGBTQ+ cultural competency training and education that prepares caregivers to provide affirming, welcoming support to LGBTQ+ older adults.
- Expanding affirming caregiving opportunities through our Community Companion Initiative, which trains and provides stipends to Community Companions who offer non-medical support and companionship to LGBTQ+ older adults.
- Strengthening caregiver support across Michigan through our Statewide Resource Center, providing pro-bono technical assistance, consulting, and capacity-building support to organizations serving LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers.
- Advocating for legislative and policy changes that strengthen support for LGBTQ+ older adults, caregivers, and the systems they rely on.
Future Strategies to Strengthen LGBTQ+ Caregiver Support
As MiGen continues to expand support for LGBTQ+ older adults and those who care for them, future priorities include:
- Establishing and maintaining an online LGBTQ+ caregiving hub that provides practical guidance, education, and encouragement for those caring for others.
- Augmenting the caregiving hub through our Person-Centered Options Counseling , helping participants find and maintain care, explore long-term care options, plan for major life changes, and make decisions based on their personal goals and preferences.
- Working collaboratively with Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers, and other aging care providers to make existing caregiver resources, programs, and services more LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming, while exploring opportunities for further collaboration and partnership.
- Providing caregivers of older LGBTQ+ adults in Southeast Michigan with volunteer-powered caregiver support, including opportunities for individuals seeking experience in providing affirming, inclusive support and care as they pursue careers, entrepreneurial endeavors, and workforce development training.
- Exploring opportunities to replicate volunteer-based caregiver initiatives across Michigan in partnership with community centers, nonprofits serving LGBTQ+ community members and older adults, and other community partners.