Training Interest Related to Discrimination Due to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among Nursing Home Social Services Directors

LGBTQ older adult nursing home (NH) residents have multiple intersecting vulnerable identities. They are at risk for stigmatization or discrimination and have differences in care needs that can result in health disparities if not properly addressed. A nationally representative survey of 924 nursing home social services directors asked about their level of interest in receiving training related to discrimination against residents, families or staff on account of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Possible responses were: no interest, minor, moderate and strong interest. Most (two-thirds) of respondents expressed moderate or strong interest in the training. Respondents with social work education (69% v. 60%), men (78% v. 64) and non-whites (85% v. 62%) were statistically significantly more likely to report moderate or strong interest in LGBTQ training compared to non-social work educated, women, and white respondents. Unfortunately, the number of African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, other, or multi-racial respondents was too low to report separately. With federal regulations now holding NHs responsible for providing culturally competent and trauma-informed care, more efforts should be directed toward preparing all staff, including social services staff, to address the needs of people who identify as a sexual minority.