Senior Health
Like all aging Americans, LGBT seniors confront daunting problems of illness in the face of reduced income, loss of friends and family, and increased isolation from society at large due to ageist ways of thinking. Compounded with the larger society's homophobia and the LGBT community's own accentuated fear of aging, this isolation is often even more pronounced for LGBT seniors. This dual discrimination often prevents LGBT seniors from seeking and finding the healthcare they need. Despite these barriers, it is our belief that older adults should have the expectation of good health and a sense of well being. Our providers actively work with older adults towards maintaining and improving their physical and emotional health and connecting them into the array of support networks they deserve. While welcoming to all older adults, Callen-Lorde's Senior Health Services are geared toward the specific health and mental health needs of New York's LGBT seniors.
Services of Callen-Lorde's Senior Health program include:
- Primary medical care emphasizing health and wellness, in addition to disease management, with a medical provider experienced in the care of older adults
- Comprehensive HIV-related primary care services with experienced providers meeting New York State Department of Health standards for HIV specialists
- Gynecological care including cervical cancer screening, referrals for mammograms, and menopausal management
- Transgender services including counseling and education, hormone therapy, and referrals to social support services
- Health promotion and prevention services
- Individual counseling/psychotherapy
- Substance use assessments
- Public entitlement assistance and other case management support
These services are offered in a safe and supportive environment at any time during regular Callen-Lorde business hours.
