LGBT seniors in aged care services face discrimination
source: http://mcv.e-p.net.au/news/glibt-seniors-face-discrimination-4110.html
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A study of the experiences of LGBT seniors in aged care services has revealed that they regularly experience discrimination and invisibility.
The report, 'My People - a Project exploring the experiences of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Seniors in Aged Care Services', was conducted by La Trobe University.
Researcher Dr Catherine Barrett, from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), based at La Trobe University, explained that the report ‘reveals the hidden terror confronting gay baby-boomers and other older seniors who are not sexually mainstream – the prospect of confinement to the darkest closet of their lives: old age in Australia in the 21st century’
“A major problem is that aged care service providers don’t understand how discrimination can be manifested, and they don’t realise that if they see an older gay person being discriminated against they are expected to intervene,” Barrett told MCV.
“They don’t know that it’s unlawful to discriminate against GLIBT people.”
The study was initiated in response to anecdotal reports of discrimination against sexual minorities in aged care.
“Many recounted threats, harassment, ridicule and/or invasion of privacy; sometimes from staff or carers, sometimes from other residents. Most expressed some form of grief, loneliness or depression and a longing for intimacy, physical contact or sex.
“People don’t expect seniors to be sexual and they also don’t expect them to be sexually diverse,” she said.
The study also showed that, for many older gays and lesbians, even those long out of the closet, impending old age means going back in again, and the associated risk of being deprived of companionship and quality care when they need it most.
Over 50 percent of LGBT seniors aged over 65 will have home care at some stage, Barrett said, which resulted in some participants in the study revealing that “they have to hide who they are in their own home.”
The report’s results will be used as a blueprint for urgent reform in the aged care sector.
There is currently no specific federal policy for aged care services in relation to LGBT clients.
The report, 'My People - a Project exploring the experiences of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Seniors in Aged Care Services', was conducted by La Trobe University.
Researcher Dr Catherine Barrett, from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), based at La Trobe University, explained that the report ‘reveals the hidden terror confronting gay baby-boomers and other older seniors who are not sexually mainstream – the prospect of confinement to the darkest closet of their lives: old age in Australia in the 21st century’
“A major problem is that aged care service providers don’t understand how discrimination can be manifested, and they don’t realise that if they see an older gay person being discriminated against they are expected to intervene,” Barrett told MCV.
“They don’t know that it’s unlawful to discriminate against GLIBT people.”
The study was initiated in response to anecdotal reports of discrimination against sexual minorities in aged care.
“Many recounted threats, harassment, ridicule and/or invasion of privacy; sometimes from staff or carers, sometimes from other residents. Most expressed some form of grief, loneliness or depression and a longing for intimacy, physical contact or sex.
“People don’t expect seniors to be sexual and they also don’t expect them to be sexually diverse,” she said.
The study also showed that, for many older gays and lesbians, even those long out of the closet, impending old age means going back in again, and the associated risk of being deprived of companionship and quality care when they need it most.
Over 50 percent of LGBT seniors aged over 65 will have home care at some stage, Barrett said, which resulted in some participants in the study revealing that “they have to hide who they are in their own home.”
The report’s results will be used as a blueprint for urgent reform in the aged care sector.
There is currently no specific federal policy for aged care services in relation to LGBT clients.
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LindseyIndigo
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This story makes me want to cry.
- 3 years ago
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LindseyIndigo
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KCKate
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This is very upsetting. When you're older they say that you begin to regress back to the state you were in as an infant. It must be even harder for LGBT senior citizens because they have to deal with being treated as children, and society doesn't think of children as being sexually diverse. Hopefully awareness will be raised and LGBT seniors will receive proper treatment.
- 3 years ago
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KCKate
