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
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford Abstracts
ORCID
Type
Conference Presentation
Degree Level
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