Queer caregiving with older adults: A consultation exercise with two non-profit community organizations
College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan and Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Alberta
How they used Delve
Nursing and geriatric medicine researchers in Saskatchewan and Alberta coded the transcript and field notes of a community consultation on 2SLGBTQ+ caregiving collaboratively in Delve, combining deductive codes from their scoping review with inductive codes, with two research assistants coding and the co-principal investigators reviewing.
“Analysis of transcripts and field notes was conducted by the research assistants (DD & DR) and reviewed by co-principal investigators (SH & NHM). A hybrid inductive-deductive approach was employed during collaborative coding using DelveTool, an online qualitative data analysis software. The scoping review codebook was used as a sensitizing framework rather than a closed coding structure.”
- Field
- Queer aging / caregiver support
- Data
- A three-hour in-person consultation exercise with attendees from Queer Seniors of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Council on Aging, audio-recorded and transcribed with TurboScribe, plus detailed field notes and attendees' written notes
- Approach
- Thematic analysis with a hybrid inductive-deductive approach: the scoping review codebook served as a sensitising framework while inductive codes captured new ideas; collaborative coding by two research assistants reviewed by the co-principal investigators, with an audit trail and no statistical intercoder reliability by design
- Data types
- Focus groups, Observation
Abstract
Background 2SLGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers experience complex challenges in navigating the Canadian healthcare system. The need to understand and address these challenges is critical to enhance inclusivity and accessibility of healthcare for 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians. Methods We facilitated a 3-h in-person exercise which included four representatives from the non-profit organizations and the research team. The exercise was audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was conducted using a hybrid (inductive/deductive) approach by borrowing the codebook from a previous scoping review on queer caregiving. Findings Our analysis identified five themes from the perspectives shared by community organization representatives: (1) gaps and barriers in healthcare professional education; (2) generational differences and lasting trauma; (3) disclosing queerness to others; (4) internalized homophobia and stigma; and (5) engagement with and access to healthcare. Conclusion This modest consultation provided preliminary and situated insight that will inform next steps in co-designing an interventional toolkit with a broader group of 2SLGBTQ+ caregivers of older adults to help the caregivers navigate heteronormative health systems, advance understanding for healthcare professionals, and ultimately advocate for inclusive healthcare for all. Implications Healthcare professionals should cultivate inclusive care for 2SLGBTQ+ caregivers by strengthening cultural competency, creating visibly supportive environments, and respecting generational trauma and disclosure choices. Trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches must address minority stress and advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. Building these skills and environments fosters empathy and reduces stigma, ultimately improving health outcomes for 2SLGBTQ+ caregivers and care recipients.
Citation
Steven Hall, Darien Dyck, Devangi Rabari, Natasha Hubbard Murdoch (2026). Queer caregiving with older adults: A consultation exercise with two non-profit community organizations. PEC Global. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecglo.2026.100008