LGBTIQA+ Inclusion in Aged Care: Perspectives From Providers and Community Stakeholders

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Experiences of older LGBTIQA+ individuals in aged care vary significantly.
• There is a growing demand for aged care services from this population.
• Unmet needs and affirming care experiences coexist, highlighting service disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore aged care providers', carers', and stakeholders' perspectives.
• To identify opportunities and barriers to culturally safe care for older LGBTIQA+ Australians.
• To inform improvements in aged care service delivery for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Interpretive descriptive methodology was employed.
• Thematic analysis of transcripts from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Diversity Hearing was conducted.
• Focus on LGBTIQA+-specific data from October 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.

Main Results:

• Two key themes emerged: Inclusive and Culturally Safe Care, and Robust Governance for Inclusive Care.
• Historical trauma and mistrust significantly undermine engagement with aged care services.
• Systemic barriers include inconsistent governance, lack of accountability, and the need for mandatory, identity-affirming training.

Conclusions:

• Policy frameworks exist, but operationalizing cultural safety is key.
• Consistent governance, compliance, and mandatory, well-resourced training are essential.
• Findings offer critical implications for policy reform and practice improvement in Australian aged care standards.