LGBTQIA+ Senior Housing Options

For many seniors, keeping up with  a home takes tremendous effort and financial investment. That’s why many older adults decide to sell their homes and take advantage of the benefits of senior housing. But for the estimated 2.4 million seniors in the United States who identify as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, queer, intersex and asexual plus allies), finding a supportive senior housing community can be especially challenging. Due to a lack of LGBTQIA+-specific affordable senior housing options and inadequate staff training, there is a very high potential for discrimination and mistreatment of seniors.

According to SAGE, a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of older LGBTQIA+ community members, nearly half of same-sex couples have faced some type of housing discrimination. The National Health Law Program also reports that some health care providers refuse to care for LGBTQIA+ patients, leading to treatment delays and worse health outcomes, a serious concern for nursing home residents.

These facts can make seniors who are part of the LGBTQ+ community feel as though they cannot move to a senior living community without facing discrimination. However, there are numerous communities that cater specifically to LGBTQ+ residents, and many others that are clear on their anti-discrimination laws. 

We created this guide to help you find these LGBTQ+-friendly communities. For each community, you’ll find a short description of the services and amenities available to help you determine which options will likely meet your needs. The guide also includes helpful resources for LGBTQIA+ seniors and a list of questions to ask when you call or visit one of these communities.

Many of today’s LGBTQIA+ seniors have faced a lifetime of difficulty in striving to prove their worth in different areas of life, including their careers and access to safe and affordable housing. 

Read below to understand how these two major spheres of impact negatively affect LGBTQIA+ seniors’ overall quality of life.

Employment discrimination during their working years has resulted in limited access to employer-provided insurance and financial security for LGBTQIA+ seniors. While the problem of job candidate discrimination has improved greatly over the years, today’s LGBTQIA+ seniors were in the thick of their careers during a time when this inequality was very prevalent. The consequence is an unfortunate reality that LGBTQIA+ seniors are less likely than their heterosexual counterparts to have nest eggs that cover the cost of senior housing when they need it most. Additionally, a UCLA study suggests that same-sex couples are generally more vulnerable to poverty than different-sex married couples.

When it comes time to search for a senior living community, an AARP survey reports that more than a third of LGBTQIA+ respondents feel they need to hide their true identity in order to secure suitable housing. Once inside senior communities, the discrimination continues for openly gay residents. In fact, 24% of caregivers claim to have witnessed this mistreatment first-hand. Sadly, many LGBTQIA+ seniors are discouraged from inviting their same-sex partner to enjoy visits inside the community – even when heterosexual couple visitations occur regularly.

According to The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, LGBTQIA+ seniors should be aware of their housing rights. These rights include:

• The right to be free from discrimination in public and private housing, including in housing assistance programs like Section 8 and seniors’ housing programs
• The right to be free from discrimination, isolation, harassment, abuse and neglect in long-term care, rehabilitation, and assisted-living facilities
•  The right to have their privacy, relationships, gender identity and choices equally respected.
• The right to be free from discrimination in accessing health care and to be treated with dignity and respect by health care and social service professionals

Retirement communities are designed for active seniors who don’t need supervision or medical monitoring. Some communities feature private homes on individual lots, giving residents plenty of privacy. A retirement community may also have condominiums or mobile homes. Each community typically has several shared spaces, such as an activity center or golf course, making it easier for residents to socialize and stay active. The retirement communities below are LGBTQIA+-friendly and have plenty of amenities to keep residents engaged.

Birds of a Feather is a retirement community where LGBTQIA+ seniors can feel free to express their true selves. The community features architect-designed homes and custom-built homes on hundreds of acres of forest land. Available amenities include fireplaces, double-car garages and covered outdoor areas. Birds of a Feather allows both contemporary and Southwestern/Pueblo home designs.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Carefree Cove started as a retirement community solely for LGBT residents. Today, most residents are LGBTQIA+ community members, but Carefree Cove also accepts non-LGBTQIA seniors who want to live in an inclusive community. Amenities include a well-maintained hiking trail, multiple water features and a community garden. Carefree Cove residents also enjoy convenient access to high-quality medical care and local social groups.

Discovery Bay Resort is an LGBTQIA+-friendly retirement community just for women. The small community has only six streets, but the resort designed the layout to ensure as many residents as possible have a view of Discovery Bay. Amenities include a heated swimming pool, community garden, exercise room and Wi-Fi access. Discovery Bay Resort also has blackberry bushes, apple trees and a lush green meadow.

Located in Santa Rosa, California, Fountaingrove Lodge is a luxury retirement community featuring apartment homes and bungalows. Many residents belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, but Fountaingrove Lodge is also open to allies who value inclusivity. Amenities include a private movie theater, wine cave, swimming pool and well-maintained grounds. Residents also enjoy convenient access to local shops, art galleries and restaurants, many of which are within walking distance.

The Palms of Manasota was the first retirement community in the United States established specifically for gay residents. Although a majority of the current residents belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, The Palms of Manasota also has non-LGBTQIA residents who are accepting of others. Phase I of the community features 21 individual homes belonging to a single condo association.

Independent living communities are ideal for active seniors who enjoy socializing and want to live around other people in the same age range. They’re similar to retirement communities, but independent living communities typically offer apartments rather than individual houses or mobile homes. Another key difference is that residents of independent living communities may still work full-time or be partially retired. Many communities also coordinate social events and recreational activities.

A Place for Us is a senior living community that lies on the border between Lakewood and Cleveland, Ohio. As the state’s first LGBTQIA+-friendly senior community, A Place for Us offers an inclusive environment for residents who are 55 and older. Each apartment has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, large closets and window coverings. Community amenities include a business center, 24-hour emergency maintenance and a well-stocked library.

John C. Anderson Apartments is an LGBTQIA+-friendly apartment community for seniors 62 and older. Located in Center City Philadelphia, the community offers convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, health care facilities and cultural attractions. Each one-bedroom apartment has an open floor plan, giving residents plenty of space for entertaining guests or enjoying their favorite hobbies. Residents also have access to a shared patio and a community room.

Living Out is a resort-style apartment community designed specifically for active LGBTQ adults. All residents are at least 55 years old, making it easier to find friends who share your interests. Amenities include concierge services, a fitness center, a private salon and a swimming pool and spa. Each apartment features an open floor plan with views of the nearby mountains and desert vegetation, creating the perfect setting for luxury living.

Rainbow Vista is a gay community designed for men and women who are 55+. Located just 15 miles from downtown Portland, Oregon, Rainbow Vista offers a safe environment free of discrimination toward LGBTQIA+ community members. Monthly rent includes parking, basic internet service, laundry facilities and all utilities except for telephone service. Each apartment has a kitchenette with a hot plate, a microwave and a small refrigerator.

Some seniors need a little assistance with things like medication management and basic activities of daily living, but they don’t meet the level of care required to qualify for nursing home admission. For these seniors, assisted living is a happy medium. Assisted living communities offer a wide range of services to keep residents healthy and engaged, including assistance with bathing and grooming, laundry services, housekeeping services, assistance with medication self-administration and 24-hour supervision.

If you’re looking for luxury assisted living, 305 West End Assisted Living in New York City is an option. Amenities include town car service to appointments, motor coach transportation to social activities, on-site parties, an on-site salon and weekly laundry service. Although 305 West End Assisted Living isn’t specifically for LGBTQIA+ seniors, the neighborhood is inclusive, which helps residents feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Belmont Village isn’t exclusively for LGBTQIA+ seniors but offers an inclusive environment that helps residents of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome. As a result, about 9% of residents belong to the LGBTQIA+ community. Belmont Village offers on-site physical therapy, a full calendar of social events, chef-prepared meals and a fitness center with professional supervision available. Residents enjoy access to concierge services and high safety standards.

Kingsley Manor is a senior community offering three levels of care, including assisted living. The community has several floor plans available, including studios, one-bedroom apartments with patios and one-bedroom apartments with extra closet space. Available amenities include biweekly housekeeping, cultural programs, Wi-Fi and transportation to nearby shops, medical offices and event venues. The community even has a chapel, wellness clinic and 24-hour emergency call system.

Stonewall Gardens offers 24/7 staffing, ensuring that residents always have the right amount of supervision and support. Amenities include an emergency call system, three meals per day, roll-in showers and plenty of social and leisure activities. Stonewall Gardens also offers multiple floor plans, all of which include individual HVAC controls to ensure the comfort of every resident. This assisted living community is located in Palm Springs.

Originally established as RainbowVision, a retirement community exclusively for LGBTQ seniors, The Montecito in Santa Fe is now an assisted living community that accepts residents of all backgrounds. Although it no longer markets itself as an LGBTQIA+ community, The Montecito offers an inclusive environment where residents embrace each other’s differences. Residents have access to a suite of personalized services, including supervision, case management, medication monitoring and daily health reminders.

Memory care is a senior care option for older adults who’ve been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. This type of community typically offers additional support to ensure that residents are safe and have access to specialized care. For example, memory care centers often have locked doors and elevators, preventing residents from wandering outside and encountering unsafe conditions. Some communities even offer visual cues to help seniors with memory loss feel more comfortable about their environment.

Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh provides a person-centered approach to dementia care. The SHINE® program emphasizes understanding for seniors with memory loss and other symptoms caused by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Services and amenities include special dietary plans, small-group activities designed to promote engagement and a variety of sensory activities to help residents relax. Staff members participate in ongoing training to help them provide excellent care.

Staff members at Bristol House Memory Care focus on creating an uplifting environment for seniors, making it a good option for LGBTQIA+ community members. The memory care program emphasizes effective communication and a genuine understanding of how dementia affects a senior’s day-to-day activities. Like other communities for seniors with dementia, Bristol House also has several security features, such as locked doors and hidden exits.

Plymouth Terrace Senior Living is committed to creating an inclusive environment for residents. The memory care community doesn’t tolerate bullying or discrimination against LGBTQIA+ community members, ensuring that all residents are free to be themselves. Staff members perform individual assessments to determine the level of care each resident requires. Available amenities include housekeeping, linen services, cable and an on-site salon, some of which may incur extra fees.

The Foundations at Sea Bluffs is one of the many Watermark communities throughout the United States and provides memory care emphasizing each resident’s overall well-being. Staff members are more than just caregivers; they’re leaders who have the wisdom needed to strengthen connections among residents. The Fountains at Sea Bluffs offers nutritious meals, art therapy, music therapy and other services to help residents stay engaged.

The Parkview is a memory care community with multiple floor plans to suit each resident’s needs. Every apartment has a kitchenette and emergency response system to promote safety and independence. The Parkview also offers restaurant-style dining, 24/7 supervision, weekly housekeeping services, cable television and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Although The Parkview isn’t designed exclusively for LGBTQIA seniors, it offers a welcoming environment for every senior with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

Nursing homes provide 24/7 supervision and medical care to seniors with health conditions requiring ongoing care from nurses, physical therapists and other health care professionals. Available services include physical and occupational therapy, nursing care, daily meals and assistance with activities of daily living.

It’s rare to find a nursing home exclusively for LGBTQIA+ community members, but nursing home residents have the right to live free of discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. These rights are codified in the federal nursing home regulations as well as national anti-discrimination laws. You also have the following rights as a nursing home resident:

• The right to privacy
• The right to live free of abuse
• The right to be treated with respect
• The right to have visitors of your choosing
• The right to participate in decisions related to your care
• The right to participate in activities
• The right to be fully informed about any service changes
• The right to remain in the nursing home unless you meet the transfer guidelines
• The right to make your own choices regarding self-expression

Further, each state has a federally mandated Long-term Care Ombudsman program designed to advocate for seniors’ rights related to health, safety and welfare for as long as they live in long-term care. If your rights are violated, contact your local ombudsman. 

Affordable senior living communities are apartment communities that charge below-market rents to seniors who meet certain income guidelines. These communities typically receive funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other government agencies to subsidize rent for qualifying seniors. This makes it easier for seniors on fixed incomes to afford their housing expenses.

The LGBT Support Network is a nonprofit organization that helps LGBTQIA+ individuals stay healthy and be true to themselves as they age. It also has an affordable housing community designed for adults who are 55 and older. Located in the Bay Shore section of Long Island, New York, the community consists of 75 new apartments and a large community center for social events and other activities. 

North Park Seniors is an affordable living community for seniors who are 55 and older. In addition to its standard services and amenities, North Park Seniors has on-site resident services provided by the San Diego LGBT Community Center. Residents enjoy convenient access to public transportation, job centers, restaurants and other attractions. The community is completely ADA accessible, making it a good fit for LGBTQIA+ seniors with a variety of disabilities.

The Residences at Equality Park is an affordable housing community for LGBTQIA+ seniors. It has 130 affordable housing units, along with social services aimed at helping LGBTQIA+ individuals live their best lives. 

Established in a decommissioned police building, Town Hall Apartments is a 55+ senior living community with studio and one-bedroom apartments. Residents can access several community features, including bicycle parking, a computer lab, a family dining room and a terrace with attractive landscaping. Nearby Center on Halsted offers social services to LGBTQIA+ residents of this independent living community. Town Hall Apartments also has a senior center on its first floor.

Triangle Square Apartments was the first affordable housing community developed specifically for LGBTQIA+ seniors in the United States. Each apartment has attractive flooring, air conditioning, efficient appliances, natural lighting and spacious bathrooms. Residents also have access to many community amenities, such as 24-hour emergency maintenance, a picnic area, gated parking, a fitness center and laundry on each floor. Triangle Square Apartments has one- and two-bedroom floor plans.

If you think LGBTQIA+-friendly senior living is right for you, it’s important to choose a community that aligns with your personal values and offers the services you need to remain as healthy as possible. The checklist below contains questions you should ask when you contact an LGBTQIA+-friendly senior living community to determine if it’s a good fit for your needs.

Statistics repeatedly show that LGBTQIA+ seniors suffer from financial insecurity as a result of discrimination experienced throughout their life. In fact, LGBTQIA+ couples have 37.4% less income from retirement savings than heterosexual older adult couples. Additionally, 42% of LGBTQ seniors are very concerned that they will outlive their retirement savings, compared to 25% of non-LGBTQIA+ older people. Thankfully, support options have become more readily available as this issue has come to the light. Read below for financial assistance resources that can help LGBTQIA+ seniors in need.