AGED CARE BREAKTHROUGH FOR LGBT SENIORS

By Toby Longhurst

South-East Queensland’s elderly LGBT population will now have access to in home care, free from fear of discrimination with the announcement that Care Connect and the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) have signed an historic memorandum of understanding that will see them working closely together to meet the needs of ageing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Queenslanders.

Care Connect, who are a non-religious and not for profit organisation will be able to provide personal care, home care, and help with meals – Providing LGBT seniors with greater independence.

Dr Mark Hughes from the University of Queensland is currently conducting a study into the care of LGBT seniors and believes many people receiving care feel the need to hide their sexuality from carers, or worse still, feel too scared to access care because of their sexuality.

“The concern is that a lot of lesbian and gay people, as they get older, might feel as though they have to hide their identity when in contact with service providers, or they might feel reluctant to access services when they might need them.”

“For lesbian and gay people one of the key worries is the impact of the fear of discrimination. When people are afraid and fearful and they are expecting to be discriminated against, then they are much less likely to access services that they might need,” Dr Hughes said.

QAHC General Manager Paul Martin was proud to announce the news of the new relationship, reiterating the concerns of many LGBT seniors.

“QAHC is delighted to partner with Care Connect in providing culturally appropriate services for LGBT people,” Mr Martin said. “Many LGBT seniors are often concerned about the quality of care they will receive, especially whether their partner will be recognised and the religious base of many organisations.”

For further information on the services provided by Care Connect, go to www.careconnect.org.au or phone (07) 3867 2200.