Looking for LGBTI friendly aged-care supports
As you get older, you may need some help around the house. Or perhaps you’re having trouble managing at home and thinking it might be better to move into a residential home?
As an older LGBTI person you might be worrying about how comfortable you’ll feel.
Here is some information that will help you make informed choices.
LGBTI ageing community supports
To build community connection for older LGBTI community members and reduce social isolation and loneliness, there are community organisations around the country that provide visiting services.
Read more in our "Community Visiting Scheme" information sheet.
LGBTI community organisations
There are a range of community organisations that may be able to provide information about how to get local, LGBTI friendly supports, either provided by them or other services that they can recommend.
Visit QLife to browse these organisations, including those in your state or territory.
Considering Aged Care providers
You may be looking at how to access aged care support from mainstream organisations. You may be interested in how a particular service caters to LGBTI people. Here are a few resources to help you.
1. Help with finding a service
Some older people find it very difficult to get aged care services. Care Finders is a free service to help. It exists to support people who have no one else who can support them – to learn about, apply for and set up support services.
Read more in our "Care Finders" information sheet.
2. LGBTI-specialised aged care
There is a new government accreditation system that aged care providers are required to meet if they want to claim that they are LGBTI friendly. This is called the Specialisation Verification Framework.
Read more in our "LGBTI Specialisation" information sheet.
If you’re considering applying for Government-funded aged care services, you can see whether there is an LGBTI specialised provider in your area.
For more information on how to access such service providers, read our "How do you access an LGBTI-friendly aged care service?" information sheet.
3. Questions for providers to see if they’re LGBTI friendly
You may have found an aged care service potentially suitable for you. To help decide whether they are actually LGBTI friendly, you might find the 10 Questions to Ask leaflet helpful.
This leaflet can help make sure you ask the right questions about residential aged care. It has been developed by nurses, doctors and other experts in aged care.
You may have a close family member, friend or carer who is helping you work out whether an aged care service is suitable for you. One way to make sure you get the best support possible is to understand the rights of the older LGBTI person, and the responsibilities of the aged care provider.
Read more in our "Being an Advocate" information sheet.
