This research project aims to gather further insight of challenges aging LGBTQ+ individuals face while accessing healthcare; specifically nursing care facilities in the state of Maine. This is an exploratory pilot study that used mixed methods of quantitative survey questions and included open-ended questions. The researchers used a nonrandom, purposive sampling of LGBTQ+ individuals aged 65+ who are accessing residential nursing care, nursing care facility staff members, and family members of LGBTQ+ actively or previously in residential care facilities. For the purpose of this research project “healthcare services\u27\u27 will refer specifically to residential nursing care facilities. Prior research indicates aging LGBTQ+ have unique needs and face significant barriers when accessing residential care facilities; it is anticipated this research will yield similar results, with increased insight on specific barriers for LGBTQ+ residing in Maine
