A Guide to LGBTQIA+ Senior Housing Options
Last Updated: October 23, 2023
Seniors face various challenges as they age. Finding senior housing that provides safety, as well as assistance or medical services as needed, is a difficult process for any senior. But for those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, such as those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex and asexual, exploring senior living options often means encountering discrimination and, at times, harassment as a result of their sexual preference.
According to Sage USA, an estimated 3 million American adults aged 50 and older identify as LGBT, and by 2030, that number is expected to climb to 7 million. Unfortunately, Sage USA also states that LGBT seniors and older adults are more likely to face poverty and, as expected, more likely to face problems finding adequate and safe housing as they age.
Thankfully, there are senior housing options throughout the United States that welcome LGBTQIA+ seniors. In this guide, seniors can access information about the different levels of senior care and what they offer, as well as lists of LGBTQIA+-friendly senior communities at each senior care level.
- Retirement and Independent Living Communities for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
- Assisted Living and Memory Care for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
- Nursing Care for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
- Low-Income Housing for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
- Questions to Ask When Looking for an LGBTQIA+-Friendly Senior Living Community
- Resources for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
Retirement and Independent Living Communities for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
Seniors who don't require personal care or medical supervision may choose to live in independent living or retirement communities, which provide a safe place to live among peers and, in many cases, are rich in amenities. Of course, each retirement community is different, with some offering secure apartments or villages exclusive to senior citizens and others providing retired seniors with resort-style living with amenities such as beauty parlors, swimming pools, fitness classes and five-star dining. Below is a table of some communities for LGBTQIA+ seniors located in different parts of the U.S.
| Community Name | Address | Phone Number | Types of Care Provided | About the Community |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City View Villas | 515 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | (323) 938-2131 | Retirement living, Assisted living, Memory care | LGBTQIA+ seniors hoping to age in place can do so at City View Villas. While the community isn't exclusive to LGBT seniors, it promises discrimination- and judgment-free care. Residents live in studio and one-bedroom suites with access to amenities such as an on-site spa and beauty parlor, vast outdoor community spaces, a library and a fitness center. |
| Stonewall Gardens | 2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (760) 548-0970 | Assisted living | Palms of Manasota is an LGBT retirement community in Rubonia, Florida. This village of single-family houses features owner-occupied homes and a resident's association that oversees all outdoor maintenance throughout the community. |
| Seashore Point | 100 Alden Street, Unit 216, Provincetown, MA 02657 | (508) 487-0771 | Retirement living, Skilled nursing care | Seashore Point's condo board cares for the community's rentals and condominiums and invests in the facility's cleanliness and maintenance. This community features an on-site wellness center that provides medical care and various services, including housekeeping, scheduled transportation and financial planning. Residents can reserve common areas throughout the facility for gatherings upon request. |
| A Place for Us | 11610 Madison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102 | (844) 329-9215 | Retirement living | A Place for Us welcomes adults aged 55 and older, regardless of their sexual orientation or preferences. This simple retirement community provides 24-hour maintenance and features nearby shopping, restaurants and public transportation right at the doorstep. An on-site business center, resident lounge and library give residents plenty of space to gather and stay busy. |
| Rainbow Vista | 1350 West Powell Boulevard, Gresham, OR 97030 | (503) 667-5575 | Retirement living | Rainbow Vista is an exclusive community for LGBTQ+ seniors aged 55 and older. Residents rent one-bedroom or studio apartments equipped with full kitchens and private washrooms. The community also features several common areas where residents can gather to play games or music, read or converse and an on-site fitness center to keep them active and healthy. |
| Birds of a Feather | 11 Whitehawk Trail, Pecos, NM 87552 | (505) 757-2901 | Retirement living | Seniors who identify as LGBTQIA+ can enjoy a safe and comfortable living environment at Birds of a Feather. This unique community is located in the foothills of the Sandge de Cristo mountains in Northern New Mexico. Residents, who are mostly seniors, live in single family homes on individually-owned lots. |
Assisted Living and Memory Care for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
Many seniors require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) as they age. These ADLs include bathing, grooming, getting dressed, eating and mobility. Those who need this help often make the decision to move into assisted living facilities, which provide 24-hour care and supervision. Seniors living at assisted living facilities live a maintenance-free lifestyle, with housekeeping, laundry and meals provided by facility staff. Furthermore, assisted living communities generally coordinate planned activities to engage seniors each day, as well as transportation.
In memory care facilities, the living environment and provided services are similar. However, these facilities are designed to offer additional care for seniors who are living with dementia-related illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease. They normally feature additional security to prevent seniors from wandering, as well as caregivers with additional training in dementia care. Activities are also tailored to meet the needs of seniors with dementia. Some notable assisted living and memory care communities for LGBTQIA+ seniors are listed here:
| Community Name | Address | Phone Number | Types of Care Provided | About the Community |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City View Villas | 515 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | (323) 938-2131 | Retirement living Assisted living Memory care | LGBTQIA+ seniors hoping to age in place can do so at City View Villas. While the community isn't exclusive to LGBT seniors, it promises discrimination- and judgment-free care. Residents live in studio and one-bedroom suites with access to amenities such as an on-site spa and beauty parlor, vast outdoor community spaces, a library and a fitness center. |
| Stonewall Gardens | 2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (760) 548-0970 | Assisted living | Stonewall Gardens provides comfortable assisted living for LGBT seniors who need personal care and help with ADLs. Its caregivers are on the clock 24 hours a day to provide medication reminders and conduct regular wellness checks. Daily planned activities keep seniors engaged, and the facility features restaurant-style dining, transportation services and manicured outdoor common areas. |
| The Ivy Golden Gate | 1601 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122 | (415) 903-6232 | Assisted living Memory care | The Ivy Golden Gate provides 24-hour personal care and supervision and memory care for seniors from all walks of life. Its on-site amenities include speech and physical therapy, all-day restaurant-style dining and a fitness center with a swimming pool. Monthly rates include housekeeping and laundry services to ensure residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle. |
| Benton House of Clermont | 16401 Good Hearth Boulevard, Clermont, FL 34711 | (352) 604-4700 | Assisted living Memory care Adult day care | The Benton House of Clermont staff maintains a welcoming, discrimination-free environment. LGBTQIA+ seniors searching for a safe assisted living or memory care option can enjoy the facility's plentiful indoor and outdoor common areas, three restaurant-style meals each day, group outings, enriching activities and transportation to and from medical appointments and other outings. |
| Fleet Landing | 1 Fleet Landing Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 | (904) 748-2252 | Independent living Assisted living Memory care | Fleet Landing is an LGBTQIA+-friendly facility that offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Caregivers are trained in dementia care and assist 24 hours daily for those needing help with ADLs. Therapies, including speech, physical and occupational therapy, are provided on-site. Amenities include prepared and served meals, a fitness center and planned group activities. |
| Belmont Village | 5455 Glenridge Drive, Atlanta, GA 30342 | (971) 254-1762 | Assisted living Memory care | Belmont Village provides assisted living and memory care in a safe, inclusive environment. Its caregivers help LGBTQ+ seniors as they navigate aging and adjust to living with cognitive decline and mobility issues. Residents receive three restaurant-style meals daily, transportation services, on-site beauty services and organized group activities. |
| Calaroga�Terrace | 1400 NE 2 Avenue, Portland, OR 97232 | (503) 736-3642 | Independent living Assisted living | LGBTQIA+ older adults can receive safe assisted living care at Calaroga Terrace. This community provides luxury assisted living that includes help with ADLs and 24-hour supervision in a discrimination-free environment. Amenities at this facility include a game room, a bright and spacious dining area, chef-prepared meals and several inviting common areas. |
Nursing Care for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
Finding nursing care facilities that are exclusive to LGBTQIA+ seniors can be complicated. While many nursing facilities exist throughout the United States, it's uncommon to find any that focus on serving the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. That said, there are nursing homes that are committed to honoring diversity among residents, and facilities throughout the country are held to standards that include providing nondiscriminatory care for all.
LGBTQIA+ seniors and their family members should search for a facility that respects residents' rights. These include the following rights:
- To be free from abuse, including sexual, verbal, mental and physical abuse, and discrimination due to sexual orientation, gender, race or religion.
- To privacy, regardless of cognitive and physical abilities.
- To respect and dignity from peers, caregivers, administrative staff and family members.
- To participate in group activities with peers, including religious and social gatherings, regardless of sexual preference.
- To participate in decisions regarding their own care or choose a designated family member or loved one to make decisions on their behalf.
- To obtain concise and uncomplicated information about their care, as well as advance notice about changes to their care plan, treatment or billing.
If at any time a senior or their loved one feels that these rights aren't being honored, they should contact their state's long-term care ombudsman to file a complaint.
Low-Income Housing for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
It's mentioned above that LGBTQIA+ seniors are more likely to face poverty, and that means the need for safe, low-income housing for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual or anything other than heterosexual is bigger than ever.
Low-income housing may be subsidized for those who qualify, which means government organizations pay landlords partial rent amounts while seniors cover the remaining monthly costs. Low-income public housing is generally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which determines annual eligibility guidelines for seniors and families. In the table below, we’ve highlighted eight communities for LGBTQIA+ seniors that accept government subsidies.
| Community Name | Address | Phone | About the Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triangle Square Apartments | 1602 Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028 | (323) 466-4372 | Low-income seniors aged 62 and older can take advantage of the on-site community room, social activities and reduced-cost lunch program that Triangle Square Apartments provides. This LGBT-friendly community features one- and two-bedroom apartments fitted with energy-efficient appliances and plumbing fixtures. |
| 55 Laguna | 55 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 | (415) 813-3710 | 55 Laguna is a low-income senior community proud to be an inclusive residence for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender seniors. It features an on-site community center that offers social and outreach services for its residents, as well as a variety of amenities, including a community lounge and a gathering space residents can reserve for gatherings. |
| North Park Senior Apartments | 4200 Texas Street, San Diego, CA 92104 | (619) 955-8321 | North Park Senior Apartments welcomes LGBTQIA+ adults aged 55 and older. This 76-suite building features one- and two-bedroom apartments and studio suites. It plans and hosts monthly social gatherings and activities in the on-site community center. Seniors living here can also enjoy spending time on the rooftop terrace. |
| Mary's House for Older Adults | P.O. Box 29561, Washington, D.C. 20017 | (202) 269-5736 | Adults of all walks of life can enjoy living at Mary's House for Older Adults, an inclusive community for seniors who identify as LGBTQIA+. Suites are tastefully decorated and common areas are bright and welcoming. An on-site senior center helps residents mingle with peers and provides access to local LGBTQIA+-friendly resources. |
| The Residences at Equality Park | 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 | (954) 463-9005 | Seniors living at the 48-unit Residences at Equality Park have access to disability-friendly living. It offers on-site senior services by The Pride Center, a nonprofit organization advocating for LGBTQIA+ community members that supports them when faced with food insecurity, health conditions or financial and social needs. |
| Town Hall Apartments | 3600 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613 | (773) 672-6560 | Town Hall Apartments is a welcoming space for all seniors, including those within the LGBTQIA+ community. It's a six-story building open to all low-income seniors aged 55 and older. In addition to its bright, spacious suites, it offers community spaces such as a gathering room, fitness center and business center. |
| Crotona Senior Residences | 775 Crotona Park N., Bronx, NY 10460 | (718) 583-1511 | HELP USA manages Crotona Senior Residences and offers low-income living exclusively for seniors who identify as LGBTQIA+. Its on-site Sage USA community center offers resident social programming and helps those who need it connect to health and social services. An outdoor terrace and community garden provide residents with comfortable outdoor spaces where they can read or visit with neighbors. |
| John C. Anderson Apartments | 251 S. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (267) 428-0269 | John C. Anderson Apartments is open to LGBTQIA+ seniors aged 62 and above. This complex features one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, modern layouts and large windows. While there isn't much on-site, this community is within walking distance of health facilities and restaurants. |
Questions to Ask When Looking for an LGBTQIA+-Friendly Senior Living Community
There are plenty of important questions to ask when searching for a safe, LGBTQIA+-friendly community for seniors. These questions can help seniors and their loved ones determine whether a community is inclusive and follows nondiscriminatory practices.
In this list below, seniors and their families can find a list of questions to ask while touring facilities so that they can make a sound decision about whether the community will be a good fit.
Resources for LGBTQIA+ Seniors
The challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ seniors are vast, but with the right community supports in place, there's no reason that elder members of the LGBTQIA+ community can't enjoy a high quality of life. Whether faced with discrimination, financial burdens or other social issues, the resources below provide support and assistance to LGBTQIA+ seniors.
| Organization | Phone | How it Helps |
|---|---|---|
| GLAAD | Contact via website | GLAAD is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for LGBT Americans. It promotes acceptance and inclusivity, provides education for non-LGBT community members and intervenes in cases where LGBT+ community members have faced discrimination. |
| Human Rights Campaign | (800) 777-4723 | The Human Rights Campaign advocates for LGBTQIA+ persons of all ages, creating educational resources such as the Healthcare Equality Index and the Long-Term Care Equality Index. These resources are vital in determining whether long-term care or medical providers offer equitable, safe services for LGBTQIA+ community members. |
| LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline | (877) 360-5428 | SAGE hosts the LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline. It's staffed by crisis counselors and first-responders who accept calls 24 hours a day to help LBGTQIA+ seniors facing isolation, depression or suicidal thoughts. Counseling is provided directly in English or Spanish, while translations are available in an additional 180 languages. |
| National LGBTQ Task Force | (202) 393-5177 | The National LGBTQ Task Force is an advocacy organization. It intervenes in cases where discrimination has occurred in long-term care facilities or at the hand of healthcare providers. Its volunteers also provide education and awareness services for non-LGBTQIA+ persons. |
| National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging | (212) 741-2247 | The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging is an online resource center that features a variety of resources and educational materials for seniors, family members and caregivers. |
| SAGE | (212) 741-2247 | SAGE is a national advocacy organization that serves LGBTQIA+ seniors throughout the country. It helps connect its community members with various resources, including senior housing and long-term care, crisis counseling and support groups. |
