LGBTI+ older Australians can face additional barriers when seeking aged care, with research highlighting concerns about discrimination, limited family support and uncertainty about whether services will respect their identities.
Sarah McMullen-Roach, an occupational therapist, lecturer and researcher at Adelaide University, examined these challenges through four interconnected studies involving literature reviews, Australian aged care data, interviews with older adults and community consultations.
The findings suggest that fear of discrimination can lead some LGBTI+ older people to avoid aged care assessments or conceal their identities. Those accessing services also face challenges navigating a system that has not always accounted for diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and lived experiences.
Participants did not want separate aged care systems. Instead, they called for mainstream services that actively welcome and recognise LGBTI+ identities.
Providers can help by training staff, displaying visible signs of inclusion, celebrating significant LGBTI+ events and ensuring websites and information platforms communicate that services are welcoming. Staff representation and access to inclusive assessment pathways can also help build trust.
Providers can further strengthen their approach through LGBTIQ+ Health Australia’s Silver Rainbow training and the Aged Care Specialisation Verification Framework, including pathways such as Rainbow Tick accreditation.
Creating inclusive aged care means more than respecting diversity when someone enters a service. It also means making that welcome visible before they seek support.