LGBTI Aged Care on the agenda

Securing better access to appropriate aged care for LGBTI people has been the focus of a two-day event in Sydney this week.

The National LGBTI Ageing Roundtable, co-presented by the National LGBTI Health Alliance and ACON with support from the Federal Government, was attended by Federal Mental Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler and 40 representatives from the LGBTI community and aged care sector.

The Roundtable was organised in response to a National Productivity Commission report, Caring For Older Australians, which recommended the government form a strategic plan for the aged care sector to meet the specific needs and sensitivities of older LGBTI Australians.

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people can face unique challenges throughout their lives as a result of discrimination and social exclusion," Butler said in a statement.

"This can impact and influence their willingness and ability to access aged care services in their senior years."

Butler added the discussions had been a "great opportunity" to share ideas about how both LGBTI people and aged care providers might gain greater support to break down those barriers.

LGBTI Health Alliance chair Paul Martin said there is up to half a million Australians over 55 who identify as LGBTI and whose needs are currently not being met.

“Over two days, roundtable delegates discussed the most effective solutions to these problems and on Wednesday we were able to present these issues directly to Minister Butler," Martin said.

“Most significantly, we outlined the urgent need for a national LGBTI ageing strategy and for national accreditation standards that ensure LGBTI elders receive the same rights to privacy, dignity and culturally appropriate services as all other Australians."

ACON President Mark Orr said a Federal grant had  allowed ACON to develop and pilot a cultural sensitivity training program for aged care providers in NSW, but more funding and policy initiatives are needed.

“What we need is a system which guarantees appropriate and sensitive services for all, and we look forward to working with Minister Butler and the Federal Government to help create an aged care system that gives LGBTI seniors a fair go,” Orr said.

Dr Jo Harrison, a gerontologist from the University of South Australia, called the roundtable "a significant milestone in the history of action related to GLBTI ageing in Australia."

"That the Minister was receptive to our community’s concerns, including those conveyed by our elders, is extremely encouraging," Harrison told GNN.

"We look forward to a continuing dialogue and to hearing the outcome of the Minister’s deliberations regarding the Productivity Commission recommendation, endorsed by the roundtable, for a National GLBTI Aged Care Strategic Plan. "

Minister Butler, who has been engaging in a conversation with older Australians, their families and carers at forums around the country, said he had been listening carefully and the government would be developing a response to the Productivity Commission's report.

“All older Australians, no matter what their background, gender, and sexuality have the right to be safe, respected and free of discrimination," Butler said.

Aged Care Packages for South East Queensland

In related news, community care provider Care Connect will soon be launching Australia’s first aged care packages specifically aimed at LGBTI older adults from South East Queensland.

Care Connect is a major, not-for-profit community care provider with offices in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

Paul Ostrowski, CEO of Care Connect, said until now the LGBTI community has been "invisible" in terms of aged care tailored to their specific needs and sensitivities.

“Our hope is that those who are at risk of living with unmet care needs can now feel comfortable accessing appropriate support services with the assurance of receiving care they need in a sensitive and appropriate manner," Ostrowski said.

The Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown, said it was "terrific" that Care Connect staff were sensitive to LGBTI issues.

"I believe Care Connect strives to provide an environment where LGBTI people do not fear discrimination, and for those in relationships, Care Connect recognises partners as chosen decision makers, which is a wonderful thing," Brown said.

The official launch of the packages will take place at Customs House Brisbane on Wednesday November 2.