Social Service Needs of Older GLBT People

Social Service Needs of Older Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People

The San Bernardino Department of Aging and Adult Services has teamed up with the Social Work Department at Cal State San Bernardino to assess the social service needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people aged 60 and older.

This short survey asks about needs such as partner rights, the sensitivity of health care providers, and the friendliness of social services toward older gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. It will take 5-10 minutes to complete. We will not ask or record your name. Your answers will be combined with those of other people. If we quote an answer, no identifying information will be included.

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. If you feel discomfort of any kind, you are free not to answer questions or to withdraw at any time. Since the survey is anonymous, withdrawing from the study or not answering questions will not affect you in any way.

Participating in this survey may not have a direct benefit for you, but if we are able to survey many people, it may result in better programs and awareness of the needs of older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in San Bernardino County.

If you have any questions about this study, please contact Dr. Laurie Smith at Cal State San Bernardino, (909) 537-3837.

This study has been approved by the Department of Social Work subcommittee of the Institutional Review Board, California State University of San Bernardino. If you are interested, you may receive the results of this study in September 2007 by contacting Dr. Smith (909) 537-3837.

If you understand the nature and purpose of this study and want to participate, please continue with the survey.

Please click to select your reponse to each question.

Please rate how well your needs are met by health care providers with whom you can be open about your sexual orientation:

	My needs are totally met
	My needs are somewhat met
	My needs are not met

Please rate how well your needs are met by health care providers who are knowledgeable about GLBT health issues

	My needs are totally met
	My needs are somewhat met
	My needs are not met

Please rate how well your needs are met by knowing there is GLBT-friendly assisted living if needed:

	My needs are totally met
	My needs are somewhat met
	My needs are not met

Please rate how well your needs are met regarding access to legal advice regarding GLBT-specific issues if needed:

	My needs are totally met
	My needs are somewhat met
	My needs are not met

Please rate how well your needs are met regarding access to mental health counselor who understands grief and loss from GLBT perspective if needed:

	My needs are totally met
	My needs are somewhat met
	My needs are not met

Please rate how well your needs are met regarding access to a GLBT-friendly social worker if needed to help find services to meet your needs as you grow older:

	My needs are totally met
	My needs are somewhat met
	My needs are not met

Please rate how well your needs are met in finding GLBT-friendly social events for people your age

	My needs are totally met
	My needs are somewhat met
	My needs are not met

Please rate how well your needs are met in finding GLBT-friendly spiritual places for people your age:

	My needs are totally met
	My needs are somewhat met
	My needs are not met

How GLBT-friendly do you think the senior centers are in San Bernardino County? Please give your opinion even if you have not used that particular service:

	Very GLBT friendly
	Somewhat GLBT friendly
	Not GLBT friendly
	No opinion

How GLBT-friendly do you think accessible transportation is in San Bernardino County? Please give your opinion even if you have not used that particular service.

	Very GLBT-friendly
	Somewhat GLBT-friendly
	Not GLBT friendly
	No opinion

How GLBT-friendly do you think in home health care personnel is in San Bernardino County? Please give your opinion even if you have not used that particular service.

	Very GLBT friendly
	Somewhat GLBT friendly
	Not GLBT friendly
	No opinion

How GLBT-friendly do you think assisted living is in San Bernardino County? Please give your opinion even if you have not used that particular service.

	Very GLBT friendly
	Somewhat GLBT friendly
	Not GLBT friendly
	No opinion

How GLBT-friendly do you think nursing home is in San Bernardino County? Please give your opinion even if you have not used that particular service.

	Very GLBT friendly
	Somewhat GLBT friendly
	Not GLBT friendly
	No opinion

In terms of social support what is your relationship status

	Live alone, no significant partner
	Live alone, significant partner lives elsewhere
	Live with significant partner, not registered in California
	Domestic partnership registered in California

In terms of social support who in your family is/was aware of your sexual orientation/identity?

	All family, including extended family
	Most family, including extended family
	Parents and siblings only
	Parents only
	Sibling or siblings only
	No family is aware

In terms of social support if you needed assistance with daily living tasks so that you could remain in your home, do you have family members who would provide this assistance?

	Yes
	No
	Unsure

In terms of social support if you needed assistance with daily living tasks so that you could remain in your home, do you have friends who would provide this assistance?

	Yes
	No
	Unsure

What, if anything, concerns you the most about being an older GLBT person?

What, if any,needs are you concerned may not be met as you get older?

What would you suggest San Bernardino County do to better meet the social service needs of older GLBT people?

Age

	60-65
	66-75
	76-85
	86 or older

Zip Code

Personal Income

	Less than $15,000 per year
	$15,001- 30,000 per year
	$30,001- 45,000 per year
	$45,001 - 60,000 per year
	$60,001 - 75,000 per year
	Over $100,000

Gender

	Female
	Male
	Intersex
	Transgender

Education

	Less than high school
	High school diploma or GED
	Some college
	Bachelor's degree (undergraduate)
	Master's degree (graduate)
	Other professional degree

Health insurance status

	No health insurance
	Medicaid only
	Medicare only
	Private health insurance only
	Medicaid + Medicare
	Medicare + private health plan

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS SURVEY!

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS SURVEY SO WE CAN BEST ASSESS THE NEEDS OF OLDER (GLBT) PEOPLE.