New guidance has been written for care homes to support inclusive care practice for older LGBTQ+ people.
Researchers from the University of Kent, in collaboration with the University of Surrey and the University of Hertfordshire, have developed the free guide to help with care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.
The guide was co-designed by a group of older LGBTQ+ people and care home staff.
A University of Kent spokesperson said there was an “urgent need for improvement” and the guide offers “practical tips about positive actions care staff can take”.
“Existing research shows that many older LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination and inequalities when engaging with health and care services in the UK,” the spokesperson said.
“When it comes to care homes, many older LGBTQ+ people fear ‘having to go back into the closet’ to be safe.”
Dr Jolie Keemink, from the University of Kent’s Centre for Health Services Studies, said: “Research shows that the older LGBTQ+ population is expected to rely more heavily on social care than their heterosexual counterparts, because they are less likely to have children and more likely to experience a lack of social support.
“Older LGBTQ+ people may also have unique health risks that increase their likelihood of needing care.”
She said those risks included social isolation, addiction, dementia and HIV.
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