New culturally sensitive referral agency connects the aging LGBTQ+ community with compassionate, affirming care
The aging LGBTQ+ community seeking options for health care management now has a new free resource available – Triangle Care Management (TCM). This Coachella Valley-based nonprofit serves as a hub for culturally sensitive service referrals, connecting LGBTQ+ older adults and LGBTQ+ people with disabilities to affirming providers, services, and resources, helping them age with safety, dignity, and community. The organization is now taking new clients and offering free Care Management Navigation, which pairs a dedicated, one-on-one Care Manager Navigator to assess a client’s needs in a welcoming, affirming environment and educates clients on the full range of assistance available as aging or health needs change.
TCM addresses the isolation and unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ seniors. National and local studies have shown that elder LGBTQ+ community members are more likely to delay or not seek medical care as compared with their heterosexual, cisgender counterparts. They often experience higher rates of isolation, loneliness and depression because they fear discrimination from healthcare providers based on past negative experiences. As a result, these individuals often do not seek out help or care when it is needed.
