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Navigating the aged care system can be overwhelming for anyone, but when you’re part of a minority group who has historically experienced violence, isolation, and stigma, this process becomes even more daunting. Quite often when we think of Pride Month or the LGBTI community, we think of the history of the people who came before and fought for the rights and equality of the community, the parties, the marches, the glitz and glitter of the celebrations. What we don’t consider is what happens when the LGBTI community ages and requires more care. How do they remain true to themselves and their queer identity when entering a system that largely regards sexual identity as a non-event?
Here’s a guide to some of the best LGBTI resources for the aging population.
The Silver Rainbow project aims to enhance the experiences of LGBTI individuals as they grow older and navigate the Australian aged care system. Australia leads the way as the first country to implement a National LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care Strategy.
Through this project, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia works to educate service providers, policymakers, LGBTI individuals, and the broader community on how to cater to the unique needs of LGBTI elders. Additionally, they assist in connecting LGBTI elders with valuable services and resources. The collective goal is to ensure that aged care services are inclusive and accommodating of the diverse genders, bodies, sexualities, and relationships of older Australians.
The Rainbow Tick Accreditation Program supports health and community organisations to understand and implement LGBTI safe and inclusive service delivery. It provides national recognition for those that meet the Rainbow Tick Standards.
Becoming Rainbow Tick accredited supports organisations to ensure they provide inclusive care and support, in a safe and quality environment. It reassures members of the LGBTI community that they are welcomed and understood.
10 Questions to ask about LGBTI needs in residential aged care
This is a fantastic resource created by LGBTIQ+ Health Australia written by doctors, nurses, and other experts with experience in aged care. It provides a list of questions that can help people who do identify as LGBTI find a suitable provider. This resource can give people peace of mind that they have covered all bases when trying to find the best provider to fit their needs and preferences.
My Aged Care, the gateway to finding aged care packages, services and residential aged care, has a specific section for assisting people within the LGBTI community looking for services. They also provide fact sheets on navigating their website and search options to find inclusive providers.
Fact Sheet: Aged Care for LGBTI Elders
Fact Sheet: Finding LGBTI inclusive home care packages
As a provider we are always trying to better ourselves and our commitment to diversity. If you are part of the LGBTI community and you’re concerned about finding a provider that values understanding and a commitment to best practices, talk to us about how we can help.