aging and gay, and facing prejudice in twilight

in the ny times this morning, this story about the homophobia-based mistreatment of gays and lesbians in nursing homes and assisted-care facilities.

from the article:

Elderly gay people…living in nursing homes or assisted-living centers or receiving home care, increasingly report that they have been disrespected, shunned or mistreated in ways that range from hurtful to deadly, even leading some to commit suicide.

Some have seen their partners and friends insulted or isolated. Others live in fear of the day when they are dependent on strangers for the most personal care. That dread alone can be damaging, physically and emotionally, say geriatric doctors, psychiatrists and social workers.

i hope that i don’t end up in a nursing home or assisted living. but the odds are that i will.

i hope i’ll have enough money to be in a nice, nonthreatening place. but the odds are that i won’t.

maybe i should look into long term care insurance for kirk and myself.