Combating Heterosexism in Long-Term Care for LGBT Elders
This paper argues for the transformation of long-term care (LTC) facilities to address heterosexism and improve quality of care for LGBT elderly populations. As millions of LGBT individuals approach old age in the United States, LTC facilities must adapt to meet their unique needs. The paper examines how implicit and explicit biases among staff, combined with widespread gaps in LGBT-specific training, undermine dignified care. It advocates for government-backed policy reform — including non-discrimination protections and equal visitation rights — alongside mandatory staff education programs, citing empirical studies that demonstrate training produces measurable improvements in provider attitudes and competency.
- Introduction: Heterosexism in Long-Term Care: Defines problem and states pro-reform thesis
- Policy Reform to Protect LGBT Elderly Rights: Argues for legal non-discrimination and visitation protections
- Staff Training and LGBT Awareness: Training improves staff competency and reduces care gaps
- Education, Homophobia, and Care Quality: Studies link education level to homophobia scores
- Training Gaps and the Struggles of LGBT Elderly Patients: Limited training access leaves staff ill-equipped
- Conclusion: Calls for training and policy to support LGBT elders
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What makes this paper effective
- Takes a clear, stated position from the opening sentence and maintains it consistently throughout, giving the argument strong focus.
- Integrates peer-reviewed sources effectively, using direct quotations to support each distinct point rather than relying on unsupported assertions.
- Distinguishes between two root causes — institutional bias and lack of education — and proposes distinct remedies for each, adding analytical depth appropriate to the topic.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates evidence-based argumentation: each claim is paired with a supporting quotation from a peer-reviewed source, followed by the author's own interpretation or extension of that evidence. This pattern — claim, evidence, analysis — is a foundational academic writing technique that strengthens credibility and prevents unsupported generalizations.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens with a problem statement and clear thesis, then addresses two interconnected solutions: policy reform and staff education. Supporting sections use specific empirical studies (including a 2015 homophobia survey and a 2012 training access study) to reinforce each solution. The conclusion briefly restates the stakes and summarizes both proposed remedies, closing the argument without introducing new material.
Introduction: Heterosexism in Long-Term Care
Heterosexism is an issue rarely discussed in the context of long-term care. This paper takes a position for the transformation of long-term care (LTC) facilities to combat heterosexism and promote quality care for LGBT elders. Out of the millions of elderly or soon-to-be-elderly Americans, at least three million are estimated to come from the LGBT community. Because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, they remain subject to stereotypes and negative social associations. It is therefore important to introduce changes and modifications to plans of care that address the specific needs of LGBT elderly individuals (Grigorovich). Long-term care must be provided to all who require it, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT elders deserve to feel comfortable in their care environment and to be treated with dignity and respect.
Works Cited
Dickey, Geraldine. "Survey of Homophobia: Views on Sexual Orientation from Certified Nurse Assistants Who Work in Long-Term Care." Research on Aging 35.5 (2012): 563–570. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Grigorovich, Alisa. "Long-Term Care for Older Lesbian and Bisexual Women: An Analysis of Current Research and Policy." Social Work in Public Health 28.6 (2013): 596. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Porter, Kristen, and Lisa Krinsky. "Do LGBT Aging Trainings Effectuate Positive Change in Mainstream Elder Service Providers?" Journal of Homosexuality 61.1 (2014): 197. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Rutherford, Kimberly, et al. "Development of Expertise in Mental Health Service Provision for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Communities." Medical Education 46.9 (2012): 903–913. Web. 21 Aug. 2015.
Schwinn, Susan, and Shirley Dinkel. "Changing the Culture of Long-Term Care: Combating Heterosexism." OJIN 20.2 (2015): 1. Print.
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