LGBTQ Elder Care Summit
In the fall of 2008, Equity Action convened providers, professionals, and policy makers to discuss the difficulties faced by aging LGBTQ Rhode Islanders. Read the Summit Briefing. 
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| Patricia Burbank, professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing, delivers the keynote address. | Keynote speaker Patricia Burbank, professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing, gave an overview of the elder LGBTQ population as represented in the literature and from a Rhode Island survey, Meet the Older Neighbors, funded by Equity Action. See Professor Burbank's presentation. 
Professor Burbank distributed copies of Internet Resources for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders (from P.M. Burbank (Ed.) (2006). Vulnerable Older Adults; Health Care Needs and Interventions, NY: Springer Publishing).
Summit attendees brainstormed in small groups to identify gaps, barriers, and needs; make recommendations for action; outline resources available; and determine resources needed. See a summary of their work.
Another resource shared at the summit is Opening Doors: Working with Older Lesbians and Gay Men. See the Age Concern England website for information on the Opening Doors program.
The Elder Care Summit built upon information gleaned from a Meet the Older Neighbors Workshop and follow-up session held in late 2006. Read recommendations from these meetings.
Organizers of the summit hope to spur continued discussion, problem solving, and resources to address these concerns. For more information, contact Marie Esposito, development officer, The Rhode Island Foundation, (401) 427-4041. |