At Acaemy Care, we believe that every individual deserves to live their later years with dignity, respect, and the freedom to be their authentic selves. For many older people in the LGBT+ community, this journey has been one of courage, resilience, and hope.
A History of Courage and Change
Older LGBT+ adults in the UK have witnessed monumental social and legal changes. From the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967 to the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2014 and the introduction of the Gender Recognition Act in 2004, the landscape has shifted dramatically.
Despite these gains, many older LGBT+ people grew up in a time when being open about their identity was dangerous, often leading to fear, isolation, and discrimination.
Facts and Figures: Understanding the Community
It is estimated 1 million people over the age of 55 in the UK identify as LGBT+, according to Age UK.
Older LGBT+ adults are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation compared to their heterosexual peers.
Many still feel the need to hide their identity when accessing care services due to past experiences of discrimination.
Rights and Protections in Care
The Equality Act 2010 protects older LGBT+ people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, lived experiences sometimes differ. It’s essential for care providers to cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
Historically, many LGBT+ people faced difficulties accessing health services, it is important that the community understand's that everyone's health is as important as each others and their identity will not impact the level of care they recieve. People in the LGBT+ community should be encouraged to express health concerns and difficulties without fear of judgement or discrimination.
Inclusive domiciliary care means:
Respecting relationships, identities and pronouns
Avoiding assumptions about gender or family
Being proactive in creating a welcoming environment
Supporting Trans and Non-Binary Clients
Trans older adults may face extra hurdles in later life. Misgendering, lack of understanding, or outdated records can be distressing.
Key considerations include:
Asking about pronouns and names without judgment
Offering continuity of care to reduce discomfort
Being sensitive to body dysphoria or medical needs
Respecting identity is a core part of dignified care.
Health, Wellbeing & Social Support
Older LGBT+ people may experience higher rates of:
Depression and anxiety
Social isolation
Reluctance to seek care due to past discrimination
Supportive care involves:
Listening to life stories and respecting chosen families
Connecting clients to LGBT+ community services
Ensuring staff are trained in inclusive communication
Small acts of inclusion, like using the correct pronoun or acknowledging a same-sex partner, can make a huge difference.
Creating Inclusive Care Spaces
At Academy Care, we are committed to:
Staff training on LGBT+ awareness
Using inclusive language in care planning
Recognising Pride Month and LGBT+ History Month
Welcoming clients’ personal stories and identities
Preserving the confidentiality of client's sexual orientation and identity
Providing information about or supporting access to resources and support
Being “out” in older age should be safe and celebrated, not something to hide again.
Every older LGBT+ person deserves to live with pride, joy, and dignity. At Academy Care, we’re proud to stand with them, celebrating their lives, affirming their identities, and ensuring they are never made to feel invisible again.
How can we help:
Academy Care, are a domiciliary care company, providing support to individuals whom for reasons of ill health or disability, could benefit from long or short-term domiciliary care services in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. Our highly trained, passionate carers, support people daily in their own homes, to optimise both their independence and wellbeing.
We create tailored care plans to meet the needs of all our clients, working with the client, their family and any medical or social services to ensure that the client gets the very best care for them. We also continuously monitor these care plans to ensure that they are up to date with the needs of the client, as needs can change very quickly.
We will work with you, the client’s family to deliver the care, helping to ensure that everyone involved is happy with the care being provided and that the client’s needs are being met through our service.
If you would like to discuss how we can help you, give us a call on 01924 925 244, alternatively look at our services here.
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