Resources for LGBT Older Adults

Scroll through this list for links and information on various resources available to NOA members. The topics include general partners and allies, HIV/AIDS, resources for transgender older adults, healthcare, disability, caregiving, technology, and financial support.

Partners and Allies

  • Aroostook Area Agency on Aging: One of five area agencies on aging in Maine, focused on Northern Maine. Provides services related to Medicare and insurance counseling, wellness programs, meals on wheels, and a confidential answer line.

  • Spectrum Generation - Augusta: One of five area agencies on aging in Maine, serving Central Maine. Provides resources related to nutrition, disability, health and wellness, and healthcare, among other programs.

  • Eastern Area Agency on Aging: One of five area agencies on aging in Maine, focused on Eastern Maine. Provides several services and programs, including those based around food and nutrition, wellness and nutrition, and transportation.

  • Seniors Plus - Lewiston: One of five area agencies on aging in Maine, focused on Western Maine.  Offers programs for caregivers, nutrition services, medicare counseling, and other programs.

  • Southern Maine Agency on Aging: One of five area agencies on aging in Maine, focused on Southern Maine. Many programs offered including, Meals on Wheels, medicare counseling, caregiver support, and fall prevention.

  • AARP Maine: Nonprofit organization empowering adults over 50. Offers information and resources on issues, engage in advocacy, and provides volunteer opportunities.

  • Alzheimer’s Association of Maine: Local chapter of an organization that provides education and support to those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including those living with the disease, caregivers, and families. Offers support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, and social and education programs.

  • Legal Services for the Elderly: Provides free, high-quality legal services to Maine’s older adults. Consults on issues related to health care, health insurance, public benefits, retirement benefits, powers of attorney, financial abuse, and other issues.

  • Maine Hospice Council: Provides education and technical assistance regarding end-of-life care and advocacy for terminally ill and bereaved persons. Programs include a hospice/veterans partnership, a pain management initiative, and an ALS collaborative. 

  • Health Equity Alliance: A non-profit agency providing direct service and advocating on behalf of Maine’s LGBTQ+ community, people living with HIV/AIDS, and people who use drugs. Services include a food pantry, medical case management, HIV testing, and sexual health services (among many others). Located in Bangor, Belfast, Ellsworth, Machias, and Calais.

Technology

  • National Digital Equity Center: An organization that provides communities with the expertise to use broadband technologies. Runs classes on aging well with technology, online tutoring, a tablet subscription program for older adults, and resources on affordable broadband. 

HIV/AIDS

  • Frannie Peabody Center: Nonprofit working to prevent the spread of HIV and support those living with HIV/AIDS in Maine. Offers case management, housing assistance programs, HIV testing and other support services. Located in Portland.

  • National HIV & Aging Awareness Day: Resources relating to National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, held on September 18. 

  • HIV & Aging Resources: Resources by the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging including articles, magazines, and webinars.

  • SAGE Resources on HIV & Aging: Resources by SAGE USA on HIV/AIDS and aging. Includes “Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should  Know” and “Know Your Rights!”

  • Adherence with HIV medication: Information by the American Psychological Association about adherence to medication in older adults living with HIV

  • Caregiving for Older Adults with HIV: Information by the American Psychological Association about caregiving for older LGBT adults living with HIV.

  • Depression in Older Adults with HIV: Information by the American Psychological Association about depression in older adults living with HIV.

  • Medical Comorbidities with HIV: Information by the American Psychological Association about medical co-morbidities in older adults living with HIV, such as heart attacks and osteoporosis.

Transgender Older Adults

  • Help with name & gender changes: Information on how to change your name in Maine, update state IDs, update birth certificates, and other related resources. Also includes contacts for referrals and a name change fund.

  • Maine TransNet: A community organization led by transgender people for transgender people. Provides advocacy, peer-to-peer support groups (including one for adults 35 and older), community events, and cultural competency training for providers.

  • Transgender Health Care in Maine: Provides transgender health services such as hormonal transition therapy, onsite self-injection lessons, and referrals to providers and community resources. Also offers wellness visits and preventive care. 

Healthcare

Caregiving and Needing Care

Disability

  • Disability Rights Maine: This organization operates on behalf of disabled people in the state of Maine. Provides many services including legal representation, assistance with social security, and assistance with the obtention of assistive technology.

  • Blind LGBT Pride International: An affiliate of the American Council of the Blind that advocates and creates space for low/no-vision LGBTQ+ individuals. Offers advocacy, education, and social support.

  • Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf: A non-profit organization that works to create and maintain community among LGBTQ+ deaf persons and promote their economic, educational, and social welfare. Hosts an annual conference and a social Facebook group.

  • National Disability Rights Institute: An organization focused on improving financial outcomes for disabled people. Provides webinars and resources on financial health, an assistive technology loan program, and other services.

  • Autism Self Advocacy Network: An organization run by and for autistic people. Provides public policy advocacy, resources, and trainings for autistic self-advocates.

  • Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network: An organization that provides support for autistic women, nonbinary people, and others of marginalized genders. Runs a healthcare provider database, financial grants for autistic people of color, and a resource library.

Financial Support

  • Benefits CheckUp: A free service of the National Council on Aging that connects older adults with benefits. Includes benefits relating to medication, food and nutrition, housing and utilities, and other categories. 

  • Maine Senior Guide: An easy-to-use online guide for Maine older adults that includes resources on health and wellness, estate management, financial planners, social groups, home support, and other categories. 

  • Home Energy Assistance Program: Program that provides money to low-income homeowners and renters to help pay for heating costs.

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