Research shows that members of the LGBTQ community have distinct health care needs and experience disparities in care and health outcomes related to aging. According to a study explored in Medical School Curricula, older LGBT adults were found to have a higher risk of disability, poor mental health, smoking and increased alcohol consumption than heterosexuals.

AARP North Carolina has partnered with Shevel Mavins and Kaii Marie Robertson, co-founders of the Behavioral Health Mind Body Academy, to educate family caregivers on their LGBTQ loved ones’ unique needs and share tips on creating a supportive network that can help reduce some of the health challenges.

Learn how to identify culturally competent providers and how to find LGBTQ-friendly attorneys to assist with advance directives and other legal documents, for example. Shevel and Kaii will also share resources you can tap in the event of discrimination by a nursing home, assisted living facility or a senior living community because of your loved one’s sexual orientation.

Learn more and register here.