As millions of American baby boomers reach retirement age, certain people, such as women and minorities, are especially vulnerable in their elder years. One of the most alienated and vulnerable groups within the elder population are LGBT seniors. Multiple studies have revealed that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender seniors are among the most isolated individuals, as well as more prone than many to abuse and neglect.

Fortunately, a number of organizations and nonprofit groups have become aware of this issue. They work to provide greater resources for LGBT seniors, in addition to their caregivers. The New York Community Trust, The PFund, and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund are organizations working to increase the resources available to LGBT seniors.

Another foundation concerned about them is the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Since 2009, The Weinberg Caregiver Initiative has given more than $8 million to nonprofits dedicated to helping family and friends of low- to medium-income seniors to provide better care. A large segment of the target population is part of the LGBT community.

There are over 3 million LGBT people 55 and older in the United States today, according to a report released by the Weinberg Foundation. That number is expected to increase 20 percent by 2029. Over 50 percent of all LGBT seniors, compared to 25 percent of heterosexual respondents, reported they are "very or extremely concerned" they will outlive their retirement savings.

The report also found that LGBT seniors are half as likely to have close friends or family they may call for help, as compared to heterosexual peers. They’re less likely to have life partners or significant others, more inclined to be estranged from their families, and twice as likely to live alone.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Weinberg Foundation has increased its support to the Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE) Caring and Preparing (SAVECAP) project, a five-year-old initiative to provide support for individuals who take care of older LGBT adults. Started in 2009, SAGECAP provides a welcoming community for caregivers in addition to educating them about the current and future needs of LGBT individuals.

SAGECAP provides a number of resources for LGBT seniors and their caregivers. It includes one-on-one counseling, group counseling, weekly caregiver support groups, educational seminars, online resources, respite care, and resources to help caregivers plan for their own futures.

With another $750,000 grant from the Weinberg Foundation, SAGE is able to continue providing aging resources for more than 20,000 caregivers, training caregivers for LGBT seniors through SAGECAP presentations at national conferences, as well as one-on-one sessions, and making guides available on issues including legal and financial planning, stress reduction, and home safety.

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Bonnie Kraham is an attorney practicing elder law and estate planning with Ettinger Law Firm in the Town of Wallkill. She can be reached at 692-8700, ext. 119 or at bkraham@trustlaw.com. This column is intended to provide general information, not legal advice.