A national project is highlighting the singular and "much research" challenges facing gay and lesbian caregivers.
The three-year initiative - funded by the federal government through the BC Psychogeriatric Association - aims to develop better tools for caregivers of older adults, as well as related support workers and policy makers.
According to lead researcher Penny MacCourt, you need more information about the "beyond," said the gay community faces in the environment of care.
In a workshop organized by Qmunity Vancouver, participants highlighted the emotional, economic and social care functions.
It also describes the gay-specific challenges, which may include relevant resources, recognition and family relations, family conflict, have no children, non-traditional support networks, are forced to leave, or not seeking support due to real or perceived homophobia.
Suzanne Cole is the only doctor of his mother 87 years old, who has dementia associated with stroke.
Cole says he feels stressed and depressed about their situation and the strained relationship with his mother, in which past tensions have resurfaced.
"I felt very alone. I'm discovering more and more that I have no life," he says.
Hossein Kia, a social worker, the study of gay carers, described the camp as "much research" with only a handful of studies available worldwide.
He says doctors often experience gay ignorance and disrespect to access mainstream services.
"[Gay] Caregivers often have to prove the legitimacy of their role and address the lack of awareness in the system," says Kia. "Being a doctor is difficult enough without having to educate as well."
Alexandra Henriques, program coordinator Qmunity generations of older adults has found that caregivers of gays and lesbians can be vulnerable to exploitation or abuse.
"A pattern I've noticed is that effeminate unmarried daughters and sons are often left to care for the rest of the family," he says.
Kia agrees: "For gay men and women whether you're in a relationship, there is an assumption of celibacy and be available to others."
Based on feedback from the workshops across Canada - including another gay meeting in Toronto in March - the project team aims to improve the services offered to caregivers and to guide policy development to specific needs.
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