UNE’s Franklin Brooks co-authors report about social services for LGBT older adults
Franklin Brooks, M.S.W., Ph.D., LCSW, assistant clinical professor in the University of New England School of Social Work, co-authored the recently published SAGE Maine Social Services Provider Survey Report.
Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE) Maine surveyed more than 200 Maine social service providers inquiring about their provision of social services to LGBT people over the age of 60. The findings include providers reporting high levels of discrimination experienced by LGBT older adults in their communities and in social service settings.
In addition, the survey found that many providers believe that the fear of discrimination is a major barrier for LGBT older adults seeking social and healthcare services. Survey respondents also identified the need for training regarding the needs of this population, especially those of older lesbian and bisexual women, transgender men and women over age 60, as well as the need for services to address end-of-life and hospices for older LGBT adults.
The report was co-authored by Laura Gottfried, LCSW, with assistance from Allison Morrill, Ph.D., Westbrook College of Health Professions associate dean for Research.
To learn more about the University of New England’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit www.une.edu/wchp
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