A Framework for Enhancing Access to Equitable Home Care for 2SLGBTQ+ Communities

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Equity
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Existing research highlights barriers to health service access for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary, and intersex (2SLGBTQ+) communities.
• Home care access experiences for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals are under-researched.
• This paper addresses the need for improved home care access and equity for 2SLGBTQ+ populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and animate an Access and Equity Framework for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive home care.
• To provide a tool for home care organizations to assess and improve their services for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
• To underscore the importance of systematic strategies for enhancing access and equity in home care.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on findings from the 2SLGBTQ+ Home Care Access Project, a mixed-methods, Ontario-wide study.
• Utilizing participant stories and perspectives to illustrate the framework's application.
• Employing an Access and Equity Framework with six key indicators.

Main Results:

• The Access and Equity Framework categorizes care as intentionally inviting, unintentionally inviting, unintentionally disinviting, or intentionally disinviting.
• Participant perspectives validate the framework's utility in identifying areas for improvement.
• The framework provides a structured approach for organizations to evaluate and implement equitable home care.

Conclusions:

• The Access and Equity Framework is an effective tool for assessing and enhancing home care services for 2SLGBTQ+ people.
• Home care organizations can systematically improve inclusivity by applying the framework's indicators.
• Prioritizing access and equity is crucial for delivering appropriate and respectful home care to 2SLGBTQ+ communities.