Commentary

Path to financial stability, long-term care for aging LGBT individuals starts now

Path to financial stability, long-term care for aging LGBT individuals starts now

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For many of us, the question of who will take care of us when we are ā€œoldā€ seems obvious. It will be our spouse and/or children. But what if you were never married and/or never had children? Who will step in to manage your needs when you are unable to do so? What if you are a member of the LGBT community?

While many young LGBT individuals enjoy a more socially acceptable climate, it was not so for the generation who are approaching retirement age. What retirement community will embrace them and will they have the means to secure the future that they are entitled to?

LGBT-aging-InfoGraphicWe often hear from LGBT seniors that they do not have adequate retirement, financial, or long-term medical care plans in place which will sufficiently cater to their distinctive situations as they age. They need a place to turn and assurance that there can be a game plan ā€“ but options seem so limited on financial, medical and psychological resources that are in place.

This lack of clarity on what the future may hold is compounded by the fact that unlike their heterosexual peers, LGBT seniors often lack traditional family support systems, which heightens their need to create long-term plans for their future.

Experts indicate that LGBT seniors are estimated to be twice as likely to be single or live alone, and are 3-4 times less likely to have children.

In general, it is estimated that approximately 80% of informal care to aging Americans is provided by family members; however, the likelihood that LGBT seniors will have someone to look after them as they age is improbable. Most of these individuals will derive no benefit from the new marriage equality rules, as many do not have a legal spouse present to execute their end-of-life plans.

It is common for LGBT elders to determine their own ā€œfamily of choice.ā€ As such, many LGBT seniors tend to rely on informal networks of close friends for support and are inclined to confide in these individuals regarding their end-of-life decisions. There are several practical issues that arise from this, which can impact planning.

First, it is likely that their family of choice is of similar age and will grow old along with them, bringing into question the true capability of these individuals to act as trustees and execute the LGBT seniorā€™s final wishes.

Second, without a financial plan and proper legal documentation, such as a valid will, financial power of attorney, and/or healthcare proxy forms, these individuals will have no legal authority over the LGBT seniorā€™s medical care, property or distribution of assets in the event of illness, short term disability or incapacitation.

In the absence of a competent trustee or personal representative, court-appointed guardianship may be necessary to assist with some or all personal, property and/or medical decisions on behalf of the individual.

In most situations, guardianship will be passed to ā€œnext of kinā€ (individuals related by blood or marriage), which could bypass persons who understand the LGBT seniorā€™s end-of-life decisions and succession plans, and replace them with someone who may not have their personal best interests at heart.

It is important to note that this issue also relates to same-sex couples who are not married or are married but reside in states where same-sex marriage is not yet legal.

Retirement plans are essential to insuring that LGBT seniors have control over both the financial and non-financial aspects of their lives upon retirement or in the event of illness. This includes advance insurance and medical care planning.

Many LGBT seniors can feel overlooked within the LGBT community as well as by mainstream elder care service providers; therefore, it is recommended that LGBT seniors choose their own ultimate assisted living facility.

Studies have shown that LGBT seniors are less likely than heterosexual seniors to independently access aging care services and tend to not feel welcome, and therefore do not assimilate well, in places where many elderly people socialize, such as senior centers.

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Research indicates that there are several detrimental effects resulting from solitude or lack of social interaction including depression, poor nutrition and premature mortality. As such, it is important for LGBT seniors to have access to community groups and/or to reside in LGBT-friendly assisted living/over 55 facilities prior to becoming ill. This will allow them to create a circle of friends and build strong support networks.

Ultimately, knowing what you donā€™t know, and understanding that the aging LGBT is facing unique, complicated issues is a first step to being prepared for the future.

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