Queer Caregiving: A Scoping Review of the Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ Caregivers of Older Adults
Date
2023-10-27
Authors
Dyck, Darien
Hall, Steven
Hubbard Murdoch, Natasha
Stacey, Adam
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Oxford Abstracts
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Conference Presentation
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Abstract
The aging population coincides with a higher demand for informal caregivers. An expanding LGBTQ+ community worldwide is accompanied by an increasing number of LGBTQ+ caregivers of older adults. However, the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ caregivers remain poorly understood within the healthcare system. This scoping review compiles literature that highlights the unique challenges, needs, and support systems required by LGBTQ+ caregivers. We used Arksey & O’Malley’s five-step iterative scoping review methodology and identified relevant studies through a search of three electronic databases conducted on May 11, 2023. A total of 57 items were included in this review: 13 quantitative studies, 22 qualitative studies, 6 mixed methods studies, 2 scoping reviews, 1 literature review, and 13 grey literature records. Researcher interactions with participants included surveys and questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and a support group intervention. Using thematic analysis, we identified five major themes: LGBTQ+ caregivers are highly active in providing informal care; queer caregiving has unique complexities; LGBTQ+ caregivers want to feel recognized and understood; caregiving can be overwhelming; and challenges navigating heteronormative health systems. This scoping review highlighted the distinct experiences of LGBTQ+ caregivers and their specific support needs as individuals and as a caregiver of older adults. Findings from this review emphasize the importance of healthcare professionals receiving comprehensive LGBTQ+ focused education to better understand and support LGBTQ+ caregivers. Further research is needed to address the gaps in knowledge, provide effective interventions, and draft policies to support LGBTQ+ caregivers.
Description
Presented by Darien Dyck (Psychiatric Nursing Student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic) at CAG2023: Community Engaged Teaching, Research & Practice.
Keywords
caregivers, lgbtq, older adults, scoping reviews
Citation
Dyck, D., Hall, S., Hubbard Murdoch, N., & Stacey, A. (2023, October 27). Queer Caregiving: A Scoping Review of the Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ Caregivers of Older Adults. Poster presentation at the Canadian Association on Gerontology 52nd Annual Scientific Meeting, CAG 2023: Community Engaged Teaching, Research & Practice, Toronto, Ontario. https://virtual.oxfordabstracts.com/#/event/4030/submission/848
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Citation
Dyck, D., Hall, S., Hubbard Murdoch, N., & Stacey, A. (2023, October 27). Queer Caregiving: A Scoping Review of the Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ Caregivers of Older Adults. Poster presentation at the Canadian Association on Gerontology 52nd Annual Scientific Meeting, CAG 2023: Community Engaged Teaching, Research & Practice, Toronto, Ontario. https://virtual.oxfordabstracts.com/#/event/4030/submission/848