Coming out to care: caregivers of gay and lesbian seniors in Canada.
OBJECTIVE
This article reports on the findings of a study whose purpose was to explore the experiences of caregivers of gay and lesbian seniors living in the community and to identify issues that emerged from an exploration of access to and equity in health care services for these populations.


METHODS
The study used a qualitative methodology based upon principles of grounded theory in which open-ended interviews were undertaken with 17 caregivers living in three different cities across Canada.


RESULTS
Findings indicated several critical themes, including the impact of felt and anticipated discrimination, complex processes of coming out, the role of caregivers, self-identification as a caregiver, and support.


CONCLUSIONS
We consider several recommendations for change in light of emerging themes, including expanding the definition of caregivers to be more inclusive of gay and lesbian realities, developing specialized services, and advocating to eliminate discrimination faced by these populations.
Brotman
Shari
S
McGill University School of Social Work, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. shari.brotman@mcgill.ca
Ryan
Bill
B
Collins
Shannon
S
Chamberland
Line
L
Cormier
Robert
R
Julien
Danielle
D
Meyer
Elizabeth
E
Peterkin
Allan
A
Richard
Brenda
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D011287:Prejudice