16. Bibliography of Research and Clinical Perspectives on LGBT Aging: With updates by Tara Rose

Evaluating the Impact of State Policy Interventions for LGBT Aging: Comparative Case Study of New York and California

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2340 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 674-674

Author(s):

Austin Oswald ◽

Nancy Giunta ◽

Tim Johnston ◽

Sherrill Wayland

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Service Providers ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Comparative Case Study ◽

Policy And Practice ◽

Sensitivity Training ◽

Attitudinal Differences ◽

Group Interest ◽

The Impact ◽

Lgbt Aging

Abstract The majority of aging network service providers are unprepared to deliver targeted services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) older adults. In 2017, California legislature mandated ongoing LGBT sensitivity training for congregate living providers. Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) developed a specialized training, Creating Inclusive Communities, for congregate living staff to learn the unique needs of LGBT elders. This secondary data analysis compared pre-test knowledge and attitudes of training participants in two states, one mandating LGBT aging sensitivity training (California, N=328) and one without the mandate (New York, N=622). Preliminary results show that prior to receiving training, California participants demonstrate significantly less knowledge of LGBT aging issues compared to New York participants; t(948)=-3.808, p<.001. Attitudinal differences were also demonstrated. These results suggest that laws mandating LGBT sensitivity training may help reach providers with greater training needs. Policy and practice implications will be discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by Rainbow Research Group Interest Group.

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