New summary shines light on social care support for older LGBTQ+ people
Every person in Wales deserves to get person-centred and dignified support as they grow older. This means making sure everyone has access to care and support that values who they are.
Our new evidence summary looks at research about the experiences and needs of older LGBTQ+ people accessing care. It explores different factors that can affect how older LGBTQ+ people feel, and the care and support they receive.
In the last Wales Census in 2021, 77,000 people (three per cent) described themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or selected the ‘other sexual orientation’ option. And more than 10,000 people (0.4 per cent) reported being transgender.
People of all ages can be LGBTQ+, but often public perception around LGBTQ+ identities is associated with younger generations. As a result, the needs of older LGBTQ+ people (age 60 and over) aren’t always as visible as they should be.
Several studies have shown that older LGBTQ+ people have significant concerns about engaging with social care services. They worry that:
- their identity or relationships may not be respected
- people working in social care may lack information about LGBTQ+ issues or be openly hostile.
Several studies have shown that older LGBTQ+ people have significant concerns about engaging with social care services.
They worry that:
- their identity or relationships may not be respected
- people working in social care may lack information about LGBTQ+ issues or be openly hostile.
LGBTQ+ identities often become invisible in social care settings. Rather than being the result of discriminatory attitudes, it’s often because people think they’re doing the right thing by respecting an individual’s private life.
But research suggests that for many LGBTQ+ people, the avoidance of the subject makes them feel the need to hide important aspects of who they are.
Sarah McCarty, our Chief Executive said:
"Social Care workers have a key role in promoting the well-being, voice and control of individuals and carers while supporting them to stay safe. Our focus is on what matters to individuals and providing care and support that respects the views and wishes of individuals, their families and carers.
Our latest evidence summary identifies where this isn't always the case for older LGBTQ+ individuals accessing social care services.
"While wanting to treat everyone the same may be well intentioned, it becomes a problem when people's needs and past experiences of discrimination aren't considered or understood.
Every person in Wales has the right to be themselves and not feel they have to hide their true self or feel invisible.
Through our evidence summary, we want to help Responsible Individuals, registered managers and social care staff to consider their approaches to supporting individuals. We want to help them feel more confident in providing support in a way that celebrates diversity and meets the needs of LGBTQ+ people."
Find out more!
Visit our evidence summary: Supporting older LGBTQ+ people in social care - Social Care Wales - Research, Data & Innovation.