His partner of 60 years went to visit him in the dementia unit and missing his warmth, curled beside him in bed. But Perquin, who participated in the NIA/Egale focus groups, said others seek her out to share their stories, including an incident described by the power of attorney for a frail man with dementia who had to move into a nursing home. London, Ont., resident Maggie Perquin said she and her 80-year-old wife, who has dementia, are navigating the health-care system with few problems, in part because she is vocal about their relationship.
Many older adults who move into nursing homes have either hidden who they are or have been chastised for it. It called for better dementia supports, a broadening of the understanding of their perspectives and the recognition that many people caring for older adults are not always traditional family members, but part of a wider network of friends. The report looked at the “unique experiences” of 2SLGBTQI people living with dementia and those who care for them. At the same time, many rely on an unpaid network of caregivers who are friends, when families are not supportive. The Rainbow Wing launch comes at a time when researchers, advocates, caregivers and some long-term-care operators are starting a conversation about the needs of older adults - especially those with dementia - who are struggling to find acceptance in their vulnerable years.Ī recent report by the National Institute on Ageing and Egale Canada focused on the needs of the aging 2SLGBTQI community, saying a dementia diagnosis can create isolation that is reminiscent of the loneliness or rejection someone may have felt decades earlier, after coming out to family and friends.
The goal is to ensure all residents feel comfortable and safe, Graham-Nutter said. She said there are retirement or assisted living homes with comparable dedicated spaces but she could not find anything similar in nursing homes. In nursing home parlance, it’s called 3West, but the Rainbow Wing, which officially opens on June 18, is likely North America’s first dedicated long-term-care household for 2SLGBTQI residents, said Rekai CEO Sue Graham-Nutter. “Since then, it has been important for us to educate and make sure we are aware of those traumas.” “He felt the fear from all his traumas in the past, before long-term care,” said Michalik, Rekai’s executive director of academic, community partnerships and programming. On Wednesday, as Michalik walked through the multi-coloured doors of Rekai’s soon-to-launch “Rainbow Wing,” a welcoming space for 2SLGBTQI (two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex) residents at Wellesley Central Place, she recalled the weight of his words. “I’m gay,” the man said, “but please, don’t tell anyone.” The idea began more than a decade ago when a 68-year-old resident of long-term care came out to the Rekai Centres’ Barbara Michalik.