Dear Editor,
As a social work student, I recently listened to a current event presentation on a bill signed by the New York State Governor expanding assistance for LGBTQ older adults in October of this year. I learned about the access to physical and mental care, free and/or discounted food deliveries, and caregiving supports is now being easier for LGBTQ older adults in New York State to receive. I was appalled when listening to the presentation with the lack of support previously provided to this community. It made me think if there was a community within Shrewsbury that may have gone unnoticed. We have Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers, both in and around Shrewsbury but what access for seniors who do not live in Assisted or Residential Living?
It has been said that LGBTQ older adults have unique needs for assistance but can be tentative to obtain support due to stigma and historical exclusion faced over their lives. This impacts poverty and isolation rates due to a withdrawn of seeking services or not having access to services.
It is difficult for me to imagine not having a support system when reaching an age when someone needs more assistance. Having stigma and experiences making someone wary of seeking support to benefit quality of life. Living alone can be scary even under the best conditions, but to have lack of support and isolation based on who someone loves or who someone is unacceptable.
Massachusetts can and must do better. We can call state legislators and inform them about what is happening to LGBTQ older adults in our state and country. We can educate ourselves on past and present issues and concerns to be an ally. As well as sharing what other states have been doing to resolve this issue such as October 2022 New York State policy implemented. In Shrewsbury we can find ways to support this community and bring access to any assistance needed especially those individuals living alone.
Sara Barry
Shrewsbury
