LGBTI communities are a diverse group of people with a variety of backgrounds, experiences and needs. There are LGBTI people with a strong connection with LGBTI communities while others may not feel they belong to this group or feel uncomfortable being included in the abbreviation ‘LGBTI’. While it is good to be aware of the shared issues or experiences of LGBTI people, it is also important to acknowledge their diverse individual life stories.
In March 2021 Dementia Support Australia partnered with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia to improve support for LGBTIQ+ people with dementia, following recent recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Royal Commission formally identified that many LGBTIQ+ older peoples’ needs were not met by the current aged care system. Dementia Support Australia has always strived to provide individualised and tailored services for marginalised communities including First Nations people, children and those in rural and remote locations, in addition to LGBTIQ+ communities.
The co-authored LGBTI and Dementia guide is one of many resources aimed at improving equitable outcomes for this demographic. Developed for aged care staff, who are as diverse as the people they serve, it aims to provide an understanding of the issues people from LGBTIQ+ communities may have faced at different times in their lives and how this may impact on changes in behaviour if the person develops dementia.
People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds and First Nations people can experience added trauma or stress due to discrimination from both racism and in relation to their sexuality, gender identity or intersex variation, the guide says.
The booklet provides guidance on the use of language and its effects on LGBTIQ+ people and communities. The guide explains that for people from LGBTIQ+ communities dementia adds an extra complicating factor.
Key Topics for discussion in the Guide
- LGBTI History in Australia
- Aged Care Quality Standards
- Dementia
- Changes in Behaviour
Click below to access the LGBTI and Dementia ‘Understanding Changes in Behaviour’ Guide
Summary Report: LGBTI and Dementia ‘Understanding Changes in Behaviour’ Guide.pdf
Click below to access the LGBTI and Dementia ‘Understanding Changes in Behaviour’ Background
Full Report: Background.pdf
Click below to access the LGBTI and Dementia ‘Understanding Changes in Behaviour’ Media Release
Full Report: Media Release.pdf
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