LGBTQ+ Seniors and Senior Living

Imagine finally being able to live your life openly as a LGBTQ+ person, only to find yourself in later years being forced back into hiding who you really are. 

Unfortunately, that’s the situation many in the LGBTQ+ community find themselves in when it comes time to move to senior housing. Fear of rejection or being ostracized is part of daily living for LGBTQ+ seniors living in communities all over the country. A 2014 Equal Rights Center study found that 48 percent of LGBTQ+ older adults have faced at least one form of rental housing discrimination.

One man described his struggles: 

“I lived the last 25 years of my life as an openly gay man in Dupont Circle. Then I came here this year because there was nowhere else to go, and I'm scared to be myself. Gay people are either invisible to, or unwanted by, the people here. So I stay quiet."

This is a growing problem for millions of people in this country. According to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, there are three million LGBTQ+ elders living in the United States right now, and that number is expected to double by 2030. 

So what is being done to create more prejudice-free and inclusive options for the LGBTQ+ community? Where is it possible for these people to feel the same sense of community as other residents?

Fortunately, over the last few years the country has become more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community which has allowed for more communities to start popping up all over the country. Here are a few of the LGBTQ+ senior communities that are leading the way for the LGBTQ+ community: 

Fountain Grove Lodge

Oakmont Senior Living opened Fountain Grove Lodge in Santa Rosa, California. It is the nation’s first LGBTQ+ senior living community, offering a focus on independent living with the option of continuing care services.

The community includes a lush, ten-acre campus, complete with a golf course and mountain views, gourmet dining, pet parks and resident gardens.

They offer temporary home health care as well as a Concierge Medical Program and full time care in the privacy of your own home. These services are tailored to the needs of each individual resident.

Stonewall Gardens

Stonewall Gardens is a LGBTQ+ community located in Palm Springs, California. This community offers “aging in place” options as well, increasing care for residents in need. 

Stonewall is located in the heart of Palm Springs’ Uptown neighborhood and is a place where LGBTQ+ seniors can enjoy resort-style living to the fullest, with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Spirit On Lake

Spirit On Lake is an urban living community located at the vibrant heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is a 4-story building that consists of 46 units and underground parking. 

Seashore Point

Seashore Point is located in the heart of Provincetown with its unique residential community for seniors 55 years of age and older. This pet-friendly community offers a wide variety of floor plans for seniors with a full range of amenities and personal medical services. 

Carefree Cove

Carefree Cove is known as the “High Country”. This is a LGBTQ+ community in North Carolina where residents can enjoy the beautiful view of the Appalachian mountains. 

The Montecito

Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the development group of the Montecito mission is to create and operate welcoming and fun retirement communities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elders. 

The property feels more like a resort than a senior living community. Amenities include four-star dining options, a lounge with cabaret nights, a spa and fitness center as well as various special events and performances.

The Montecito offers 24 housing units, ranging from studio apartments to one-bedroom living spaces. The village also offers happy hours, film festivals and museum outings to help elders stay social and engaged. 

For a complete list of LGBTQ+ friendly senior housing options, Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE) provides a great deal of information. 

Aging is a hard process for everyone, but the LGBTQ+ community has even more battles to fight in today’s society. Although it’s great to see examples of LGBTQ+ senior communities that thrive, there is clearly a need for many more in urban areas all over the country. Hopefully as demand continues to increase, we will see other senior housing developers jump in and meet the demand.