A framework commissioned and funded by Skills for Care has been published to support social care workers in providing care to older LGBTQ+ people.
The guidance was developed by the University of Strathclyde and the Pride in Ageing programme at LGBT Foundation and created in collaboration with older LGBTQ+ people.
Given that care workers need to feel confident in supporting LGBTQ+ people with all aspects of their lives, including coming out, their personal relationships and support networks, and legal rights, this new framework aims to support care workers in developing their knowledge, skills, and values.
The framework includes a background on LGBTQ+ issues and awareness; a look at health and wellbeing issues later in life, including research about LGBTQ+ inequalities; information on providing personalised care and support covering topics of trans-affirmative care, intersectionality, supporting people with dementia or HIV, and understanding intimacy and sexuality later in life; and recommendations for leadership, education, and service development to continue to improve care and support in this area.
Skills for Care CEO Oonagh Smyth said: “We’re very proud to be part of the creation of this important framework, which we know is something that people working in social care want and need.
“It’s vital that care workers are comfortable supporting people with all aspects of their lives and identities, which includes their sexual and gender identity and personal relationships.
“We know that older LGBTQ+ people may face specific inequalities and challenges, and care workers need to understand these issues so that they can provide the most effective person-centred support to each person drawing on care and support.”
Dr Paul Martin OBE, chief executive of the LGBT Foundation commented: "LGBT Foundation welcomes the launch of this new framework by Skills for Care, which is the result of an innovative partnership which brought together our Pride in Ageing programme’s dedicated work around the needs of older LGBTQ+ communities with University of Strathclyde’s excellence in teaching and research around social care.
“We would like to thank all of those with lived experience who took part in coproduction sessions to develop the themes of this framework, and we hope this piece of work inspires further conversations across the social care workforce around access to equitable, inclusive and affirmative social care for LGBTQ+ communities."
