Senior Living Communities Guide For LGBTQ+ Older Adults
Covered in this guide:
- Housing Rights for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
- Challenges Faced By LGBTQIA+ Seniors
- What Are the Best Places for LGBTQIA+ Seniors to Live?
- Resources for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
Updated: August 14, 2023 | Reviewed by: Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD
The LGBTQIA+ acronym includes people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and asexual. In essence, the umbrella term typically seeks to include everyone who doesn’t identify as heterosexual or cisgender. People of all ages identify as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
A 2021 household poll found that 8% of all respondents identified as being LGBT, with a further 2% of respondents who identified as falling outside of the scope of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and straight labels. While this survey included people of all ages, other sources report similar percentages among LGBTQIA+ seniors. The Wisconsin Department of Public Health reports around 6% to 8% of U.S. seniors are LGBTQ. Research estimates that percentage will double by 2030, from 1.5 million to at least 3 million in the U.S.
LGBTQIA+ seniors can face challenges when looking for suitable long-term residential care. AARP, a nationwide nonprofit membership organization for older adults, states middle-aged and older LGBTQ adults are concerned about receiving support and experiencing discrimination as they get older. SAGE, an advocacy and support agency for LGBTQ+ seniors, reports almost 50% of older adults in same-sex relationships have faced discrimination when applying for senior housing. Furthermore, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ may receive lower standards of health care and experience maltreatment.
While finding suitable senior housing is a concern for seniors of all orientations, it’s especially important that LGBTQIA+ individuals find nondiscriminatory senior housing communities that are respectful and accepting.
This guide covers the rights of LGBTQIA+ seniors, common challenges faced by older members of the LGBTQIA+ community, LGBTQ-friendly destinations and what to look for when comparing facilities. It also includes sources of financial aid and lists resources geared toward supporting LGBTQIA+ elders.
Housing Rights for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
It’s particularly important for LGBTQIA+ seniors and their loved ones to understand their legal rights in relation to equal access to housing, nondiscriminatory practices and fair treatment. Laws and regulations are in place to protect rights and ensure equity exist at national, state and local levels.
Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law which prohibits housing discrimination against people based on factors such as:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Nationality
- Sex
- Disability status
- Family status
- Religion
Although the act doesn’t explicitly state sexuality or non-binary gender identities, courts and agencies typically include discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals as sex discrimination.
For example, in Videckis v. Pepperdine University, the court stated “sexual orientation discrimination is a form of sex or gender discrimination”. The court held in Glenn v. Brumby that discrimination because of gender-based stereotypes and supposed behavioral norms extends to transgender people.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Equal Access Rule
The 2012 HUD’s Equal Access Rule seeks to safeguard equal access to HUD housing programs for all qualifying individuals. The rule extends to all HUD-assisted and -insured housing. It prohibits discrimination based on actual or supposed:
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
Under this rule, relevant housing operators and owners are barred from asking applicants to disclose their sexual preferences or gender identity, except in limited circumstances. Additionally, they can’t use such information to decide housing eligibility.
Other National Protections
Among several national laws, the federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 set out basic rights and standard of care requirements for residents of Medicaid- or Medicare-certified nursing homes. People from the LGBTQ+ community should be given the same rights and access as any other resident. Nursing homes shouldn’t discriminate based on a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
The Affordable Care Act of 2010 contains provisions which prevent discrimination in senior housing facilities that offer aspects of medical care, such as assisted living communities, memory care units and nursing homes.
Local Protections
State laws expressly prevent discrimination for LGBTQIA+ individuals in 23 states plus Washington, D.C. These include all states in the New England region and:
- Washington
- Oregon
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Virginia
- New York
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Hawaii
Seven other states interpret sex discrimination measures to include discrimination against people based on their sexuality or gender identity. Local laws protect LGBTQIA+ individuals from housing discrimination in some states. Nondiscrimination laws may offer protection against prejudicial lettings practices, unfair refusals to buy property and evictions.
Challenges Faced By LGBTQIA+ Seniors
LGBTQIA+ seniors typically experience a range of challenges on top of common difficulties faced by older adults, such as loneliness and health issues.
Financial Constraints
Several laws and rules exist today which prohibit workplace and employment discrimination because of a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation. However, this hasn’t always been the case. Many reports, studies and polls show a high proportion of non-heterosexual and transgender workers continue to experience harassment and discrimination.
Historic discrimination and victimization against LGBTQIA+ individuals may have had an impact on seniors’ financial security. As a result, they may have fewer assets, smaller pensions and inadequate insurance.
Housing Discrimination
LGBTQIA+ seniors may experience discrimination in relation to housing, which can result in an unstable housing situation. Fear of discrimination, from staff or residents, means many seniors wouldn’t feel comfortable openly sharing details about their personal life in a long-term care facility.
Isolation
While social isolation and loneliness affect many seniors, LGBTQIA+ individuals are twice as likely to live alone compared to their heterosexual cisgender contemporaries. In the past, fewer LGBTQ+ seniors could get married. This may have had an impact on the longevity of couples. Social stigmatization may have made it too difficult for individuals to openly and comfortably cohabitate, leaving more of them alone today.
Similarly, LGBTQIA+ seniors may have been shunned by family members. This often means they have less support from relatives than other seniors, and informal caregiving provisions are limited. Additionally, many LGBTQIA+ seniors don’t have children to support them as they age. An astonishing 76% of LGBT+ people aged 45 and older worry about family and social support as they get older. Sadly, for some LGBTQIA+ seniors, the death of their life partner leaves them entirely alone.
Statistically, gay men experience greater isolation than lesbian women, and bisexuals are more likely to keep their sexual preferences hidden, which can lead to increased isolation as seniors age.
Health Conditions
LGBT+ seniors are at greater risk of several chronic health conditions than other older adults. Partly caused by discrimination in relation to health care, LGBT+ seniors may be susceptible to various types of cancer, heart disease and mental health issues. Older LGBT+ individuals are more prone to depression, anxiety and substance-misuse disorders. High blood pressure and diabetes are also more common among LGBT+ seniors, both of which can contribute to the development of dementia. As an added limitation, insurance provisions regarding gender may refuse treatment for transgender individuals.
The challenges are long-lasting and critical, but by raising awareness, perhaps many of these issues will diminish or disappear completely.
What Are the Best Places for LGBTQIA+ Seniors to Live?
U.S. cities and states vary in how tolerant and safe they are for LGBTQIA+ seniors. Overall, the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities are:
San Francisco
California has the highest LGBTQ+ population of any U.S. state, home to roughly 2.7 million adults who identify as belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. San Francisco is often referred to as the Gay Capital of the World, with the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents of any major metropolitan area in the country. The city has a high number of same-sex households and many social and support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is often nicknamed the Gay Capital of Florida. The seaside city has the most same-sex households per 1,000 residents and the most LGBTQ+-focused social groups per 100,000 people. Additionally, local laws prohibit discrimination and promote LGBTQ+ rights.
Orlando
Orlando has many LGBT+ support centers per capita and one of the biggest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce in the nation. It has many same-sex households and plentiful resources, plus Florida interprets laws specifically to prevent discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Seattle
Around 10% of Seattle’s population identifies as LGBTQ+. Seattle ranks especially highly for its wealth of LGBTQ+-friendly health care providers, and the city is home to many advice and advocacy groups. It also boasts a vibrant LGBT+ social scene.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has plentiful LGBTQ+ resource centers, and Allegheny County has the highest support for LGBTQ+ locals. In contrast to other parts of the state, the local government has enacted non-discrimination legislation to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
LGBTQIA+-Friendly Retirement Communities & Villages
Designed with retirees in mind, age-restricted retirement communities and villages are generally appropriate for those who can still live independently, although some communities allow home care services. Communities usually offer an array of shared leisure and recreational amenities and some organize social programs for residents.
White Hawk Trail, Pecos, NM 87552 | (505) 757-2901 | Birds of a Feather is the premier retirement community for LGBTQIA+ seniors. Homes are architect-designed or custom-built on acres of forest land. Amenities include fireplaces, double-car garages, and covered outdoor areas. Choose contemporary or Southwestern/Pueblo styles. | |
Carefree Cove | 160 Carefree Cove Road, Zionville, NC 28698 | (828) 263-4252 | Carefree Cove is the retirement community of choice for LGBTQIA+ seniors looking for a welcoming environment. Hiking trails, water features, and a community garden are just some of the amenities available. Convenient access to medical care and local social groups.. |
| Not Available | (360) 797-7222 | Nestled in a stunning location, Discovery Bay Resort is a women-only, LGBTQIA+-friendly community. Relax in a heated pool, exercise room, community garden and Wi-Fi. Delight in the lush green meadow, apple trees, and blackberry bushes. The ideal place to retire. | |
516 3rd Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 | (707) 282-5023 | Fountaingrove Lodge is a retirement community that stands out for its luxurious lifestyle. Located in Santa Rosa, California, the community is open to allies who value inclusivity. Enjoy a private movie theater, wine cave, swimming pool, and well-maintained grounds. Nearby, you'll find local shops, art galleries, and restaurants to explore. |
LGBTQIA+-Friendly Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities are most suited for older adults who want a maintenance-free lifestyle but can still live independently on a day-to-day basis. Rates typically include repairs, landscaping and routine maintenance tasks. Many communities also offer housekeeping and laundry services. They typically have diverse communal amenities and recreational programming or transportation.
11610 Madison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102 | (844) 329-9215 | At A Place for Us, Ohio's first LGBTQIA+-friendly senior community, you'll find an inclusive environment for residents 55 and over. Air-conditioned apartments with fully equipped kitchens, large closets, and window coverings await. Community amenities include a business center, 24-hour emergency maintenance, and a library. | |
251 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107 | (267) 915-0063 | John C. Anderson Apartments, the LGBTQIA+-friendly senior community in Center City Philadelphia, offers easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and cultural attractions. Each one-bedroom apartment boasts an open floor plan, providing ample space for residents to entertain or pursue their hobbies. Shared amenities include a patio and community room. | |
1122 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (833) 548-3688 | Living Out is a premier resort-style community designed for LGBTQ adults aged 55+. Discover new friends who share your interests and enjoy concierge services, fitness center, salon, swimming pool, and spa. Enjoy stunning mountain and desert vegetation views from apartments with open floor plans. | |
1350 West Powell Boulevard, Gresham, OR 97030 | (503) 667-5575 | Discover Rainbow Vista, the gay community for men and women aged 55+ in Portland, Oregon. Enjoy a safe, discrimination-free environment just 15 miles from downtown. Monthly rent includes parking, internet, laundry facilities, and utilities, except for telephone service. Each apartment features a kitchenette with a hot plate, microwave, and small refrigerator. |
LGBTQIA+-Friendly Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities are appropriate for seniors who need some assistance with day-to-day activities. Aides provide tailored help with personal care tasks, such as bathing, dressing and medication management. Facilities prepare meals and offer enrichment activities for overall senior well-being.
305 West End Avenue at 74th, New York, NY 10023 | (212) 969-8464 | Experience luxury living at 305 West End Assisted Living in New York City. Enjoy town car service, transportation to social events, on-site parties, a salon, and weekly laundry service. The inclusive neighborhood is welcoming to all, making it easier to express yourself. | |
2051 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90068 | (323) 874-7711 | Belmont Village offers a welcoming environment for seniors of all backgrounds, including about 9% of residents who identify as LGBTQIA+. Enjoy on-site physical therapy, social events, chef-prepared meals, and a fitness center with professional supervision. Access concierge services and enjoy high safety standards.. | |
1055 North Kingsley Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90029 | (323) 661-1128 | Kingsley Manor is the perfect senior community for assisted living. Choose from various floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom apartments with patios, and extra closet space. Enjoy biweekly housekeeping, cultural programs, Wi-Fi, and transportation to nearby shops and medical offices. The community includes a chapel, wellness clinic, and 24-hour emergency call system. | |
2150 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (760) 548-0970 | Experience 24/7 staffing at Stonewall Gardens in Palm Springs. Enjoy amenities such as an emergency call system, three meals per day, roll-in showers, and plenty of social and leisure activities. Choose from floor plans with individual HVAC controls, providing maximum comfort. | |
500 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 | (505) 428-7777 | The Montecito in Santa Fe offers personalized services such as supervision, case management, medication monitoring, and daily health reminders. Although no longer marketed as an LGBTQIA+ community, it still fosters an inclusive environment where residents of all backgrounds embrace each other's differences. |
LGBTQIA+-Friendly Memory Care Communities
Memory care communities provide care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Trained caregivers provide appropriate support for people at all stages of disease progression. Communities offer activities designed to boost memory, promote cognitive health and stimulate the senses.
4800 Aston Gardens Way, Naples, FL 34109 | (239) 296-5434 | Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh offers a person-centered approach to dementia care through the SHINE® program for seniors with memory loss. Services include special dietary plans, small-group activities, and sensory activities for relaxation. Staff members receive ongoing training to provide excellent care. | |
2527 Bristol Road, Warrington, PA 18976 | (215) 491-1501 | Bristol House Memory Care provides an uplifting environment for seniors with dementia, making it an excellent option for LGBTQIA+ community members. The memory care program emphasizes effective communication and understanding how dementia affects daily activities. Security features include locked doors and hidden exits. | |
205 Haggerty Road, Plymouth, MI 48170 | (734) 451-0700 | Plymouth Terrace Senior Living is committed to creating an inclusive environment for residents of all backgrounds, with a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination or bullying against LGBTQIA+ community members. Staff members perform individual assessments to determine the level of care needed. Amenities include housekeeping, linen services, cable, and an on-site salon, some of which may incur extra fees. | |
25411 Sea Bluffs Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629 | (949) 234-3000 | The Foundations at Sea Bluffs provides memory care that emphasizes each resident's overall well-being. Staff members are leaders who have the wisdom to strengthen connections among residents. The community offers nutritious meals, art therapy, music therapy, and other services to promote engagement. | |
100 Valley Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 | (925) 461-3042 | The Parkview is a memory care community offering multiple floor plans to suit residents' needs. Every apartment has a kitchenette and emergency response system for safety and independence. Enjoy restaurant-style dining, 24/7 supervision, weekly housekeeping, cable TV, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Although not specifically for LGBTQIA seniors, The Parkview welcomes every senior with Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia to their welcoming environment. |
Affordable LGBTQIA+-Friendly Housing Options for Low-Income Seniors
Affordable senior housing communities generally provide similar services and amenities to independent living communities. They are geared toward meeting the needs of seniors with limited financial resources.
125 Kennedy Drive Suite 100, Hauppauge, NY 11788 | (631) 665-2300 | The LGBT Support Network's affordable housing community in Long Island has 75 new apartments and a community center for events and activities. LGBTQIA+ individuals aged 55 and older can live healthily and authentically. | |
4200 Texas Street, San Diego CA 92104 | (619) 955-8321 | North Park Seniors is a senior living community in San Diego, offering affordable living for seniors aged 55 and older. The community is fully accessible and has on-site resident services from the San Diego LGBT Community Center. LGBTQIA+ seniors with disabilities are welcomed. | |
2040 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 | (954) 463-9005 | LGBTQIA+ seniors can call The Residences at Equality Park home, with 130 affordable housing units and social services to help them live well. | |
3600 North Halsted, Chicago, IL, 60613 | (312) 660-1300 | Town Hall Apartments is a 55+ senior living community in a converted police building. LGBTQIA+ residents can access social services at the Center on Halsted, located nearby. Amenities include a terrace, bicycle parking, a computer lab, and more. | |
1602 Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028 | (323) 466-4372 | Triangle Square Apartments offers LGBTQIA+ seniors one- and two-bedroom apartments with natural lighting, spacious bathrooms, and efficient appliances. Amenities include gated parking, a picnic area, a fitness center, and 24-hour emergency maintenance. |
What To Look for in a Senior Living Community for LGBTQIA+ Adults
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Financial Assistance for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
LGBTQIA+ seniors have various possible sources of financial aid available to them, including national, state, county and local programs. There are also advisory resources which aim to help seniors maximize their income. Older adults can obtain guidance referrals from their local Area Agency on Aging or their local Aging and Disability Resource Center. Other resources include:
Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income Americans. Seniors may qualify for financial help to pay for a range of medical services and long-term care. The program pays for nursing home care and home health care for eligible seniors and may cover full or partial costs of assisted living. | |
Medicare is the national health insurance program for people aged 65 and above. Depending on the particular plan, it can help cover costs of hospital care, health care services, home health care, medical equipment and drugs. | |
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint Medicaid-Medicare program which provides funding for care and support services for frail seniors who live in a community setting. This program is only available in certain areas. | |
Senior men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible to claim various VA benefits. Trained Veteran Service Officers can help veterans submit claims and appeal adverse decisions. They can also advise on topics such as pensions, insurance and health care services. | |
Low-income seniors aged 65 and older may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Recipients receive a monthly benefits payment to assist with meeting their day-to-day financial obligations. | |
Seniors aged 65 and older who meet specified income limits may qualify for a tax credit. Individuals who are younger than 65 may also qualify if they are both retired and have a permanent and total disability, as assessed by a physician. | |
SAGECents is a free online service designed for LGBTQIA+ seniors. The platform aims to reduce financial stress and enhance monetary stability through the provision of advice and tips related to public benefits, credit ratings and advance directives. Tools and information are tailored to meet the needs of older LGBTQIA+ adults. | |
Each state has a federally funded State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), although the program may be called by a different name in some states. Trained SHIP advisors provide free, confidential and impartial Medicare and health insurance counseling to seniors. | |
Operated by the National Council on Aging, BenefitsCheckUp is a comprehensive online tool which ensures older adults and people with disabilities are receiving all benefits for which they qualify. Seniors can also connect with local benefits counselors for in-person assistance. |
Resources for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
Several agencies and organizations provide targeted assistance and advice to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Some resources are specifically geared toward supporting older LGBTQIA+ adults.
Resource Name | Contact Details | Services |
(877) 360-5428 | SAGE is a nationwide organization which offers support, advice and advocacy to LGBTQ+ seniors. The SAGEConnect program alleviates social isolation through weekly buddy phone calls. SAGECents helps seniors maximize their income, and SAGECare provides culturally aware training for service providers. The organization also operates the National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging and staffs a 24/7 resource and support hotline. | |
N/A | The Human Rights Campaign fights for equal rights for all LGBTQIA+ people. The organization’s website has many useful resources for seniors, including information related to health care rights, mental health, disability, intimate partner violence and healthy sex. | |
N/A | The National LGBTQ Task Force advocates at all levels for equal treatment of and rights for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It isn’t a direct service provider. | |
(888) 234-7243 | The LGBT National Help Center provides safe supportive spaces where LGBTQIA+ people of all ages can talk, gain information and feel affirmed. People aged 50 and older can call the dedicated senior hotline. The organization also offers email peer support and online chat programs. | |
Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities | N/A | A division of the American Counseling Association, SAIGE advocates on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community and promotes education and research on relevant issues. The organization aims to create competent counselors, therapists and advisors who work with LGBTQIA+ people, providing a safe, productive and inclusive environment. |
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