Opinion: How to take care of trans patients in hospice

In the United States, more than 1.6 million people identify as transgender. Of these, more than one-fifth are over the age of 65, the vast majority of whom transitioned in the latter part of their lives. Transgender Americans are both living and dying among us: precisely why we health care providers must improve our approaches to ensuring dignified and respectful care for transgender elders, especially at the end of life.

What trans people hope for in their final moments of life — whether that is months, days, or hours — is no different than what anyone else wishes for. Trans people don’t want to be in pain. Trans people want their decisions to be honored. Trans people want a comfortable environment, to be treated with respect and dignity, and to be in the company of the loved ones they choose. We all want to live our last days authentically.

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