Picture of Practice:
Riverside County's Report on LGBT Aging
A survey and report conducted by the Riverside County Area Agency on Aging for the purposes of better identifying and serving LGBT older adults.
With the passage of AB2920, The Older Californians Equality and Protection Act,
and the signature of the governor in 2006, the State of California directed Area
Agencies on Aging to address the particular needs of senior Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgendered (LGBT) populations in their Planning and Service Areas and
strategic planning processes. It further directs the California Department of Aging to
provide technical assistance to the area agencies on aging regarding the unique
needs of LGBT seniors.
The Older Americans Act and The Office on Aging have a long standing history of
reaching out to underserved, isolated and marginalized seniors who are at high risk
and are most in need of services. LGBT seniors often lack social and family support
networks and may face particular health risks because they often lack access to
disease prevention and wellness programs. The Office on Aging has taken the
mandate of AB2920 seriously and has aggressively sought out marginalized LGBT
seniors to engage them in the needs assessment and planning process. In addition,
we have been leaders in sensitivity training for our staff, our Advisory Council, and
community and county partners. Our efforts have been built on collaborative
partnerships including the California Department of Aging, The Goldman Institute on
Aging, and the Golden Rainbow Senior Center.
I am delighted that this report has been developed in partnership with the Riverside
County Department of Public Health. This partnership has been built on a shared
commitment to improve access for marginalized and isolated LGBT seniors in
Riverside County and assure them that they will be treated with dignity and respect
when they come to us for services.
Finally, we intend to disseminate this report through our Aging and Disability
Resource Connection networks and partnerships to promote enhanced pathways to
needed services and supports for those LGBT elders who are fearful of traditional
social service delivery systems. Our hope is to promote healthy, successful aging
and optimal functional independence |
