Assessing the Needs of Older Gay,Lesbian, Bisexual,and Transgender People: A Service-Learning and Agency Partnership Approach |
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| Authors: | Laurie A Smith Rosemary McCaslin Janet Chang Paulina Martinez Paula McGrew |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Social Work , California State University, San Bernardino , San Bernardino, California, USA lasmith@csusb.edu;3. Department of Social Work , California State University, San Bernardino , San Bernardino, California, USA;4. Department of Social Work , Florida Atlantic University , Boca Raton, Florida, USA;5. San Bernardino Department of Aging and Adult Services , San Bernardino, California, USA |
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| Abstract: | A county agency and a social work research class partnered to conduct a state-mandated needs assessment of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people (GLBT). A survey design with purposive sampling of GLBT people over 60 yielded 38 participants. Findings included that the Internet was a viable means to reach this population and student awareness increased. Areas of greatest unmet need were GLBT-oriented/friendly legal advice, social events, grief and loss counseling, social workers, and assisted living. Some participants perceived existing senior services as unfriendly or hostile to GLBT persons. Recommendations include continued use of service-learning research and expanded needs assessment efforts. |
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| Keywords: | Mixed methods ageism GLBT populations/issues social work practice |
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