BLOG : Concepts of Independence is Win-Win for LGBT Community

Concepts is pleased to have guest blogger Alyssa Cottone this week. She writes this piece from SAGE Long Island.

For many LGBT identified people with disabilities or who are older, it is a challenge to find LGBT affirming aides and caregivers. Many LGBT adults do not access home care because they are fearful of being discriminated against and/or mistreated based on their sexual or gender identity. Subsequently this means that many LGBT adults do not seek out help and put themselves at risk for health problems including falls, malnutrition, depression, social isolation, etc. Concepts of Independence is a great resource for LGBT adults – both those who are elderly, and those who have disabilities - because it provides them with the power to hire someone that they in fact know is LGBT affirming and culturally competent. Additionally, Concepts of Independence provides LGBT individuals with potential employment opportunities which will directly affect the high rates of unemployment amongst the LGBT population. It's a win, win! It is crucial that LGBT older people and LGBT people with disabilities are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve. What better way to achieve that then by giving them the power to play an active role in their care?

Written by Alyssa Cottone