Keywords

bisexual, end-of-life care, gay, lesbian, queer identities, sexual orientation

 

Authors

  1. Higgins, Agnes PhD, MSc, RPN, RGN
  2. Hynes, Geralyn PhD, MSc, RGN

Abstract

The end-of-life needs of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) are in many ways identical to those of non-LGBTQ people; however, for a variety of reasons, they are at risk of receiving suboptimal care, irrespective of whether they are being cared for at home or in a nursing home, hospital, or hospice. Although research on the needs of LGBTQ people at the end of life is sparse, drawing on what is available this article explores some of their unique concerns that practitioners should consider during their interactions.