Restricted Access: Older Lesbian and Bisexual Women’s Experiences With Home Care Services

This article reports on the findings of a study that explored older lesbian and bisexual women’s access to publicly funded home care in Ontario. Recent health reforms have increasingly shifted the bulk of care of individuals from health care institutions to private homes and communities. Although these reforms have had consequences for all individuals, they may be particularly problematic for this population of older adults who face added health risks and barriers. Sixteen women participated in a qualitative case study with semistructured interviews. Iterative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data along with the use of a feminist political economy framework. The analysis shows that older lesbian and bisexual women experience barriers to accessing needed care and lack additional supports with which to supplement publicly funded home care. This study deepens existing knowledge by demonstrating how chronic illness and sexual minority status can further exacerbate the consequences of rationing public care.