The Elder Pride Indy Collaborative (EPIC) announced a new assessment for older members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Officially launched on Feb. 19, the LGBTQ+ Elder Needs Assessment is EPIC’s new comprehensive initiative identifying the areas in which Central Indiana’s LGBTQ+ individuals aged 55 and older lack care and services. Led by the Damien Center, EPIC is a coalition formed by local community partners to ensure the growing population of aging LGBTQ+ Hoosiers and their caregivers continue to have access to resources necessary to thrive, according to a press release.
“As Central Indiana’s elder LGBTQ+ population continues to grow, it’s essential that to address their unique needs and challenges,” Alan Witchey, president and CEO of Damien Center, said in a statement. “Many LGBTQ+ seniors have faced a lifetime of discrimination, leading to disparities in health care access, financial security and social support. At Damien Center, we are committed to creating inclusive programs and resources that honor their resilience and ensure they can age with dignity, respect and the care they deserve.”
A 2014 report from SAGE — a national advocacy organization for older LGBTQ+ adults — found many LGBTQ+ seniors “feel reluctant to disclose their sexual orientations or gender identities to health care providers due to fear of judgment or inferior care,” according to a press release.
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EPIC’s Elder Needs Assessment aims to use community feedback to develop safe, inclusive and affirming services, systems and living solutions. According to the Damien Center, a combination of the survey’s findings and research from other high-performing programs will be used to develop strategies to address and meet the needs of LGBTQ+ elders in Central Indiana.
EPIC’s partners are working with Taylor Advising consulting firm to lead the survey in addition to conducting interviews with several key organizations — such as SAGE, CICOA and the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging. A final report can be expected this summer.
The LGBTQ Elder + Needs Assessment will not only identify existing barriers limiting care for older members of Central Indiana’s LGBTQ+ community but also provide insights into “the lived experiences of these community members.”
The LGBTQ+ Elder Needs Assessment is available in both English and Spanish and will remain open through March 19. All responses are anonymous and confidential. For more information about the survey or to participate, visit surveymonkey.com/r/EPIC_Landscape_Analysis.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
