What’s Love Got to Do with it? A Qualitative Study Addressing the Unmet Needs of Older LGBTQ+ Individuals Caring for a Spouse or Partner with a Chronic Medical Condition
What’s Love Got to Do with it? A Qualitative Study Addressing the Unmet Needs of Older LGBTQ+ Individuals Caring for a Spouse or Partner with a Chronic Medical Condition
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Issue Date
2025-12
Authors
Almond, Jennifer
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Abstract
Caregiving for an older spouse or partner with a chronic medical condition has become a prominent role in Western society as individuals are living longer and requiring more care. Most in-home care is provided through informal means by family members and friends. Spouses provide care longer than other informal caregivers and may suffer stress, burnout, and other physical and psychological challenges if they have unmet needs, such as lack of support and resources. Due to the events, encounters, and history experienced by older LGBTQ+ caregivers, they face a unique set of challenges and needs when caring for a spouse or partner with a chronic medical condition. The purpose of this qualitative study with an interpretive phenomenological design was to explore the perceptions and lived experiences of the unmet needs of older LGBTQ+ individuals caring for a spouse or partner with a chronic condition. Six spousal/partner caregivers participated in semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences and whether they led to any unmet needs. Findings of the data analysis with an idiosyncratic approach suggested that the participants did not currently experience significant discrimination from medical professionals, but this had not always been the case. There were several challenges that were unique to LGBTQ+ older adults, as well as remarkable ways they have developed resilience and created methods to minimize challenges. Some of the challenges included an increase in chronic conditions experienced by caregivers, lack of advance directives, stress, and unique family relations. To minimize these challenges, the participants formed chosen families and developed strategies for choosing medical professionals. Practical recommendations include cultural competency training for medical practitioners to improve wellbeing and outcomes for both the caregiver and care recipient. Further research can expand upon the background and demographics of the participants, specifically, the impact of race, location, and socio-economic status of individual participants.
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Keywords
Older adults , Caregivers , LGBTQ+ , Healthcare Innovation & Delivery