心理カウンセラーの徒然日記

J Health Soc Policy. 2002;15(1):1-29. The impact of coming out on health and health care access: the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual and two-spirit people. Brotman S, Ryan B, Jalbert Y, Rowe B.

This paper documents the experiences of health care access among gay, lesbian, bisexual and Two-Spirit (glbt-s) people in Canada. In particular, it addresses the importance of coming out as glbt-s to the development of good health and appropriate care. The paper reflects upon the impact of hiding one's sexual orientation on glbt-s people's experience of and use of health care resources and the responsibility of health care institutions to address homophobia and create supportive environments in order to facilitate the coming out process in health care settings. The central role of health care policy makers with regard to the articulation of gay-positive policy and practice in health care institutions is highlighted.

PMID: 12212930 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Gerontologist. 2007 Aug;47(4):490-503. Coming out to care: caregivers of gay and lesbian seniors in Canada. Brotman S, Ryan B, Collins S, Chamberland L, Cormier R, Julien D, Meyer E, Peterkin A, Richard B.

PURPOSE: This article reports on the findings of a study whose purpose was to explore the experiences of caregivers of gay and lesbian seniors living in the community and to identify issues that emerged from an exploration of access to and equity in health care services for these populations. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study used a qualitative methodology based upon principles of grounded theory in which open-ended interviews were undertaken with 17 caregivers living in three different cities across Canada. RESULTS: Findings indicated several critical themes, including the impact of felt and anticipated discrimination, complex processes of coming out, the role of caregivers, self-identification as a caregiver, and support. IMPLICATIONS: We consider several recommendations for change in light of emerging themes, including expanding the definition of caregivers to be more inclusive of gay and lesbian realities, developing specialized services, and advocating to eliminate discrimination faced by these populations.

PMID: 17766670 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Gerontologist. 2003 Apr;43(2):192-202. The health and social service needs of gay and lesbian elders and their families in Canada. Brotman S, Ryan B, Cormier R.

PURPOSE: This article reports the findings of a study, undertaken in 2000, whose purpose was to gather information about the experiences and realities of gay and lesbian seniors and their families from across Canada in accessing a broad range of health and social services in the community, and to examine the role of health care and social service organizations in shaping access and service delivery. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study used a qualitative exploratory design based on focus group interviews. Perspectives of older gay men and lesbians and their families involved in organizations addressing these issues, as well as professionals from both gay and lesbian health organizations and mainstream elder care organizations were sought. RESULTS: Specific reference was made to the impact of discrimination on the health and access to health services of these populations. Issues relating to invisibility, historic and current barriers to care, and the nature of service options are identified. IMPLICATIONS: Recommendations for change are highlighted, including those related to best practice programs and policies in the long-term care sector.

PMID: 12677076 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Health Hum Serv Adm. 2000 Fall;23(2):181-202. Issues confronting lesbian and gay elders: the challenge for health and human services providers. Claes JA, Moore W.

During the past two decades, the number of people over the age of 65 in the United States has been increasing twice as fast as the rest of the population. Within this diverse group, gerontologists are increasingly aware that there also exists a large population of older lesbian, gay men, and bisexuals. Health professionals must learn to acknowledge and meet the needs of this population. This article assists in addressing the knowledge gap by acquainting the reader with the aging concerns of lesbian and gay men; the impact of homophobia on their health; common heterosexual practices and their impact on care; retirement and leisure issues; the hidden incidence of abuse and neglect; and some suggested strategies that will assist health and human services workers in providing quality care for lesbians and gays as they age.

PMID: 11481996 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

J Gerontol Soc Work. 2006;47(3-4):121-38. Caregiving and post-caregiving experiences of midlife and older gay men and lesbians. Hash K.

PURPOSE: This study examines the experiences of midlife and older gay men and lesbians caring for chronically ill, same-sex partners. This study also accounts for their experiences in "post-caregiving," or the period following the cessation of care. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with nineteen gay men and lesbians over 50. RESULTS: Respondents reported similar experiences in caregiving as those in previous studies looking at caregiving for older adult spouses and relatives (including physical and emotional strains). Similarly, respondents experienced loneliness and depression following the loss of the caregiving role. Unique aspects of the experience for gay and lesbian caregivers caring for same-sex partners, however, involved their interactions with formal and informal support persons and services and their long-term planning and decision-making processes. IMPLICATIONS: In light of their experiences, respondents offered their opinions about formal support services and professionals as well as their suggestions for changes that should be made to these as well as larger systems. Their suggestions and experiences guided the implications offered for health and human services.

PMID: 17062526 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]