Adapting the Savvy Caregiver Program for LGBTQ Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease
This session will touch on caregiving issues, healthcare access, and strategies to support the aging LGBTQ community who may experience physical limitations and cognitive challenges, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
LGBTQ seniors face challenges in their ability to receive adequate and inclusive care, as well as services for
caregivers, due to living alone, the inability to rely on traditional family support, higher risk of disability, and
discrimination when seeking healthcare and aging-related services. Led by the Los Angeles LGBT Center Aging
in Community Initiative, we partnered to evaluate the: 1) Adaptation of the Savvy Caregiver program for care
providers of LGBTQ older adults living with AD; and 2) Determine the feasibility and acceptability of the Savvy
program. Data were from 18 caregivers who completed the 6-session, 12-hour Savvy program.