This study utilized the theory of planned behavior to examine individual intentions to engage in gay affirmative practice among aging-focused professionals (N = 83) in the Midwestern United States. Participants completed self-report measures of perceived agency norms and individual attitudes related to the treatment of gay men and lesbians, intentions to provide gay affirmative care, and perceived behavioral control. Attitudes, norms and perceived behavioral control were examined as predictors of intentions; attitudes of individual aging-service professionals emerged as the strongest predictor. Results indicated that affirmative attitudes within the agency may be important in predicting intentions to provide this type of care.
The majority of aging network service providers are unprepared to deliver targeted services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) older adults. In 2017, California legislature mandated ongoing LGBT sensitivity training for congregate living providers. Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) developed a specialized training, Creating Inclusive Communities, for congregate living staff to learn the unique needs of LGBT elders. This secondary data analysis compared pre-test knowledge and attitudes of training participants in two states, one mandating LGBT aging sensitivity training (California, N=328) and one without the mandate (New York, N=622). Preliminary results show that prior to receiving training, California participants demonstrate significantly less knowledge of LGBT aging issues compared to New York participants; t(948)=-3.808, p<.001. Attitudinal differences were also demonstrated. These results suggest that laws mandating LGBT sensitivity training may help reach providers with greater training needs. Policy and practice implications will be discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by Rainbow Research Group Interest Group.
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