Serious illness and end of life in LGBTQIA+ older adults

Serious illness and end of life in LGBTQIA+ older adults
Delaware Journal of Public Health; by Sarah Matthews; 7/25
Gender-affirming care is just as important during serious illness and end of life. Typically, gender-affirming hormone therapy is maintained throughout life to provide masculinizing or feminizing effects as desired. At end-of-life, it may be the person’s wish to continue hormones even if the medication poses additional risk. Whenever possible, gender expression preferences of LGBTQIA+ elders should be honored. TRANSforming Choices Healthcare Decisions Starter Guide is an excellent resource for transgender, gender-diverse, and gender-expansive people to make choices about their healthcare including gender-affirming care. Funeral directives are available to ensure that LGBTQIA+ elders’ funeral wishes are followed, including name, pronouns, and presentation of the body.