Tips for providing inclusive care to the elder community

With the number of people aged 65 and over set to double by 2050 and many traditional care services and facilities unable to cater for the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, what measures and steps can conventional care providers take to become more inclusive? And what would it take for LGBTQIA+ individuals to consider using traditional care facilities and services?

Elder LGBTQIA+ Care: Understanding the challenges

Growing old is inevitable and something we all will face. The older we become, the more likely we will need some form of help and support to perform specific tasks or activities in our daily lives. Though care providers and services will vary by country, many of the problems and challenges faced are universal. From affordability to adaptive solutions, typically, there are many barriers to overcome when it comes to requesting and seeking out care. Though many of the challenges are similar, some are specific to the elder LGBTQIA+ community. From discrimination to isolation in care home settings, these barriers result in many not getting the help they want or need. The more senior LGBTQIA+ community members who need care and support today will likely come from generations and periods when it was not easy to identify as LGBTQIA+. A time when they were forced to hide their sexuality or gender identity, where it was illegal or where they were living in constant fear of persecution. After years of coming to terms with who they are, many now face new dilemmas when needing some form of support or care. So, what does eldercare look like for them? And what are the potential obstacles they might face?

Elder Gays: ways to help combat loneliness

With an estimated one-third of the world’s LGBTQIA+ population over 50 and countless websites and services tailored towards a younger audience, older people often feel excluded and isolated. Are we doing enough to represent and help ageing community members in a more inclusive world?