CIAIP. Community Innovations for Aging in Place Initiative

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, Los Angeles, CA

Project Title
LGBT Aging in Place Initiative

Project Summary
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Seniors Services Department seeks funding for a three-year lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Aging in Place Initiative, a unique intervention providing LGBT seniors with targeted support services, as well as training for service providers that assist area seniors as they age in place.

Goals and Objectives
The overarching goal of the project is to ensure that LGBT older adults in Los Angeles are treated with dignity and respect as they access a comprehensive and coordinated continuum of aging-in-place support services that target LGBT seniors. The objectives are: 1) provide social/recreational programming, support services, and educational and intergenerational opportunities that assist LGBT older adults in building community and improving social networks, thereby decreasing isolation and invisibility; 2) provide short-term case management services, offering LGBT seniors individual support and assistance in times of need and crisis; and 3) train local health and human service agencies and providers to ensure LGBT older adults receive quality care in mainstream institutions.

Outcomes and Products
The expected outcomes of this pioneering intervention are: increase socialization among and between LGBT older adults and provide LGBT seniors with greater access to LGBT-targeted services; establish a central data bank for LGBT-friendly resources and become a resource clearinghouse; LGBT seniors will have greater access to resources that are LGBT-friendly; and increase the knowledge and awareness of LGBT senior issues and needs among mainstream social service providers. The products of this project are: evaluation data that will be useful for local efforts to better serve this population; a replicable model with project best practices for serving LGBT seniors, as well as a training curriculum, that will be useful to various programs throughout the state and country.