• Home
  • Health & Wellness
  • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • DMCA Notice
  • Home
  • Health & Wellness
  • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • DMCA Notice
24/7 Health News
No Result
View All Result
Home Article

LGBTQ+ caregivers of people with dementia face unique stresses that lead to poorer physical and mental health

August 24, 2023
in Article
LGBTQ+ caregivers of people with dementia face unique stresses that lead to poorer physical and mental health
LGBTQ+ caregivers from racial minorities reported experiencing poorer family quality of life and higher depressive symptoms. FG Trade/E+ via Getty Images

Caring for someone living with dementia can be a stressful experience that harms the physical and mental health of caregivers. Many caregivers experience depression and lower quality of life. LGBTQ+ caregivers face unique challenges that can magnify these strains.

Around 8% of the estimated 50 million-plus caregivers of adults or children with special needs in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, with many caring for someone living with dementia. LGBTQ+ caregivers have experienced discrimination, isolation, stigma and other stressors related to their sexual orientation or gender identity and generally have poorer physical and mental health than non-LGBTQ+ caregivers. Yet existing programs and services, such as caregiver support groups and respite services, do not account for their unique needs.

As a researcher exploring the health effects of caring for someone living with dementia, I am interested in developing strategies to alleviate strain on caregivers and improve their quality of life. Because of limited research on LGBTQ+ caregivers of people living with dementia, my team and I have been collecting data to address the health disparities they experience. Understanding how sexual orientation and gender identity affect the lives of caregivers can help tailor services and programs to support their health.

Table of Contents

  • LGBTQ+ caregivers by the numbers
  • Higher stress
  • An understudied problem

LGBTQ+ caregivers by the numbers

In our study, we asked 415 caregivers – 286 of whom were LGBTQ+ – to complete an online survey consisting of questions about their health and caregiving experiences. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and transgender caregivers were represented, with over 40% of LGBTQ+ respondents identifying as gay men.

The majority, nearly 80% of LGBTQ+ caregivers, were white, while over a third identified as Latino. The majority of the LGBTQ+ caregivers, ranging in age from 21 to 72, were millennials ages 38 or younger. Half of the LGBTQ+ caregivers were the spouse or partner of the person with dementia, and a tenth were caring for an unrelated friend.

Overall, LGBTQ+ caregivers were significantly younger and more racially and ethnically diverse than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.

Caregiver helping older adult using cane walk in a room
LGBTQ+ caregivers may be less likely to seek out supportive services because of a potential risk of discrimination.
Phynart Studio/E+ via Getty Images

LGBTQ+ caregivers were also more likely to be working full or part time, to have never married, and to be caring for their friends or “chosen” family. In contrast, non-LGBTQ+ caregivers were more likely to be retired and caring for their spouse.

Despite relatively high levels of income among LGBTQ+ caregivers overall, lesbian and bisexual caregivers experienced significantly higher levels of difficulty in paying for everyday basics, and queer caregivers more frequently reported incomes of less than US$30,000.

Caregivers who were lesbian or queer – an umbrella term for people who are not heterosexual – more likely needed to travel to provide care, while bisexual caregivers more frequently resided with their care recipients.

Higher stress

LGBTQ+ caregivers may be experiencing higher levels of stress than non-LGBTQ+ caregivers because they seek out supportive services less frequently. The need to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to service providers and support groups increases the potential risk for discrimination, microaggressions, stigma and being outed.

We found that 75% of LGBTQ+ caregivers of people with dementia reported moderate to high levels of perceived stress, and 78% experienced depressive symptoms. These negative health effects were significantly associated with experiences of microaggressions, discrimination and stigma related to their gender identity or sexual orientation in their everyday lives.

Given the diversity of experiences among LGBTQ+ caregivers, different identities experienced different types of caregiving strain. For example, bisexual and queer caregivers experienced higher stress than those with other identities. Queer caregivers also experienced higher levels of depressive symptoms.

Importantly, caregivers of all LGBTQ+ identities met the criteria for probable clinical depression and had significantly higher mean depressive symptom scores than those of non-LGBTQ+ caregivers.

Queer caregivers and caregivers who experienced more microaggressions reported poorer family quality of life, defined as a sense of well-being of the family. Gay male caregivers reported the highest levels of caregiver stigma. Racial minority LGBTQ+ caregivers also reported poorer family quality of life and higher levels of depressive symptoms.

Many LGBTQ+ older adults living in assisted living facilities hide their identity in fear for their safety.

We also asked caregivers for general feedback about their experiences overall and whether they found it difficult to answer any of our questions. Several caregivers found that questions about family lacked nuance. “Some of my family is very supportive, but many family members are actively hostile and unhelpful,” one participant shared. Many caregivers emphasized the distinction between biological and chosen family.

These comments echo those from other studies on LGBTQ+ caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Many shared that they often experience isolation, financial strain, lack of support and connection, and stigma and discrimination.

An understudied problem

Our findings suggest that there are statistically and clinically significant differences in the physical and mental health of LGBTQ+ caregivers as compared with non-LGBTQ+ caregivers. But further research is necessary to understand how the stress of being an LGBTQ+ person and the stress of being a caregiver interact with each other. In 2018, the National Institute on Aging funded only seven studies focused on LGBTQ+ aging.

To address the underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ caregivers in aging research, my colleagues and I started the RISE Project. Our goal is to recruit LGBTQ+ caregivers of people living with dementia and memory loss in communities around the nation to get them involved in research.

Bolstered by recognition from the National Institutes of Health and National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine that further study is needed, more researchers are studying health inequities among LGBTQ+ people.

A better understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ+ caregivers is a key step toward programs, policies and services that support their well-being.

The Conversation

Joel G. Anderson receives funding from the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. He is affiliated with Healing Beyond Borders.

ShareTweetSharePin
Next Post
COVID boosters to be sold on the high street – here’s what effect this may have on uptake

COVID boosters to be sold on the high street – here's what effect this may have on uptake

Most Read

What causes stuttering? A speech pathology researcher explains the science and the misconceptions around this speech disorder

What causes stuttering? A speech pathology researcher explains the science and the misconceptions around this speech disorder

December 15, 2022
morning back pain

Morning Again Ache Trigger Is Not the Mattress

October 11, 2021

Why Circadian Rhythms Matter for Your Health

July 30, 2024
lower back pain relief exercises

5 decrease again ache aid workouts

October 11, 2021

4 steps to building a healthier relationship with your phone

January 28, 2025
3 years after legalization, we have shockingly little information about how it changed cannabis use and health harms

3 years after legalization, we have shockingly little information about how it changed cannabis use and health harms

October 15, 2021
Nasal vaccines promise to stop the COVID-19 virus before it gets to the lungs – an immunologist explains how they work

Nasal vaccines promise to stop the COVID-19 virus before it gets to the lungs – an immunologist explains how they work

December 14, 2022
bleeding in gum

When The Bleeding in gum Is Severe ?

October 11, 2021
Good Night Sleep

6 Causes of Good Evening Sleep

October 11, 2021
Kick up your heels – ballroom dancing offers benefits to the aging brain and could help stave off dementia

Kick up your heels – ballroom dancing offers benefits to the aging brain and could help stave off dementia

January 3, 2023
Biden is getting prostate cancer treatment, but that’s not the best choice for all men − a cancer researcher describes how she helped her father decide

Biden is getting prostate cancer treatment, but that’s not the best choice for all men − a cancer researcher describes how she helped her father decide

May 20, 2025
Ten small changes you can make today to prevent weight gain

Ten small changes you can make today to prevent weight gain

October 12, 2021

COVID vaccines: how one can pace up rollout in poorer international locations

October 5, 2021

This Simple Hygiene Habit Could Cut Your Risk of Stroke, New Research Reveals

February 1, 2025

Multiple sclerosis: the link with earlier infection just got stronger – new study

October 12, 2021
Support and collaboration with health-care providers can help people make health decisions

Support and collaboration with health-care providers can help people make health decisions

December 16, 2021
Greece to make COVID vaccines mandatory for over-60s, but do vaccine mandates work?

Greece to make COVID vaccines mandatory for over-60s, but do vaccine mandates work?

December 1, 2021
Five ways to avoid pain and injury when starting a new exercise regime

Five ways to avoid pain and injury when starting a new exercise regime

December 30, 2022
woman covered with white blanket

Exploring the Impact of Sleep Patterns on Mental Health

August 4, 2024

Maximize Your Performance – Sync with Your Circadian Rhythms

August 9, 2024
Why are some people faster than others? 2 exercise scientists explain the secrets of running speed

Why are some people faster than others? 2 exercise scientists explain the secrets of running speed

April 29, 2024
Backlash to transgender health care isn’t new − but the faulty science used to justify it has changed to meet the times

Backlash to transgender health care isn’t new − but the faulty science used to justify it has changed to meet the times

January 30, 2024
News of war can impact your mental health — here’s how to cope

Binge-eating disorder is more common than many realise, yet it’s rarely discussed – here’s what you need to know

December 2, 2022
As viral infections skyrocket, masks are still a tried-and-true way to help keep yourself and others safe

As viral infections skyrocket, masks are still a tried-and-true way to help keep yourself and others safe

December 14, 2022
GPs don’t give useful weight-loss advice – new study

GPs don’t give useful weight-loss advice – new study

December 16, 2022
Nutrition advice is rife with misinformation − a medical education specialist explains how to tell valid health information from pseudoscience

Nutrition advice is rife with misinformation − a medical education specialist explains how to tell valid health information from pseudoscience

January 28, 2025
FDA limits access to COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and other high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules

FDA limits access to COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and other high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules

May 21, 2025
Four ways to avoid gaining weight over the festive period – but also why you shouldn’t fret about it too much

Four ways to avoid gaining weight over the festive period – but also why you shouldn’t fret about it too much

December 22, 2022
Nurses’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination for their children are highly influenced by partisanship, a new study finds

Nurses’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination for their children are highly influenced by partisanship, a new study finds

December 2, 2022
How hot is too hot for the human body? Our lab found heat + humidity gets dangerous faster than many people realize

How hot is too hot for the human body? Our lab found heat + humidity gets dangerous faster than many people realize

July 6, 2022
  • Home
  • Health & Wellness
  • Disclaimer

© 2020 DAILY HEALTH NEWS

  • Home
  • Health & Wellness
  • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • DMCA Notice

© 2020 DAILY HEALTH NEWS