Gilbrea Seminar Series: Enhancing access to quality long-term care services for older LGBTQ persons

Older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer-identified (LGBTQ) adults, like the general older adult population, would prefer to age in place in their community for as long as possible. However, while there is growing attention to later life sexualities in empirical literature and health professional education, gaps remain in knowledge regarding older LGBTQ adults living with chronic illness/disabilities in Canada. Drawing on recent research with this population, Alisa will explore their care experiences and needs and identify the importance of fostering home care providers’ competency in providing affirming and respectful care. She will argue for the need to engage in arts-based and visual methods for education and knowledge translation in this regard, and present an example of the development of such an initiative, called ‘Out at Home.’

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Alisa Grigorovich – CIHR Health System Impact Postdoctoral Fellow, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network

Alisa is a postdoctoral fellow at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the intersection of sexuality, gender and long-term care, and she draws on critical theory and methods from feminist and queer studies, social sciences, and the humanities. Her research and scholarly activities are motivated by her deep commitment to improve the quality of long-term care so that it better meets the needs of diverse older adults, their families, and care providers. Alisa’s postdoctoral research is supported by an Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Award, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.