Chris MacLellan: We Should All Be Able to Care for Our Loved One

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Working Daughter

Society & Culture


Chris MacLellan was with his partner Richard for 11 years before Richard passed away from esophagus cancer. Richard was originally given only 3-4 months to live, but ended up surpassing that and living for three more years. Chris shares his experience and story about what it was like caring for his partner and why the quality of healthcare may be different for a hetrosexual couple. Theirs is a love story.   Key Takeaways: [0:55] Chris’s partner, Richard, was diagnosed with esophagus cancer. [4:00] Chris made a conscious decision to not tell Richard he only had 3-4 months to live. [10:20] It’s important to share each other’s caregiving story, no matter how painful it might be. Your story helps others. [12:15] When Chris and Richard were together, marriage equality was not recognized. So Chris had to take lawyer notes around with him to make sure he was getting the right treatment. [13:25] Unfortunately, Chris did experience discrimination in patient care. [18:40] After Richard passed, Chris made a lot of mistakes in an attempt to heal. [20:45] Chris and Richard had a big fight six weeks before he passed. Fights happen to everybody, even when you’re caregiving. [22:45] Quality care for LGBT adults over the age of 50 lags behind straight adults in the same age range. Why is that? [26:35] We should all be able to care for our loved one with ease no matter our sexual orientation. [30:25] Chris is just one of millions of examples out there of people who have experienced hardship with the caregiving process. Share your story. [30:55] What did Chris wish he learned sooner about the process? [34:05] It was the greatest experience of Chris’s life being able to take care of Richard.   Mentioned in This Episode: TheWholeCareNetwork.com Sun-Sentinel: A new beginning: Navigating the challenges of moving on UW study finds LGBTQ older adults in Seattle/King County face higher health risks The Working Daughter book