Abstract
This paper presents findings from the LGBTQ+ Older Adult Social Care Assessment (LOASCA) study, which explored how social care workers engaged with and had conversations about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) when undertaking care assessments with older (60+) adults. The paper sheds light on the absence of representation and discourse around older LGBTQ+ people in policy considerations and staff discussions. The project employed a workforce survey across three local authorities in the West Midlands, 28 interviews with social care practitioners from these local authorities, 13 interviews with older LGBTQ+ service users, and an analysis of policy documents and anonymised case files. The findings reveal a lack of clear mechanisms for collecting data on SOGI, hindering efforts to understand and address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ older adults in social care settings. Representing the voices of social care professionals, our study demonstrates a clear demand for access to knowledge concerning LGBTQ+ issues and their application in daily practice. The lack of knowledge not only hinders the delivery of inclusive care and support but also perpetuates a cycle of invisibility for LGBTQ+ individuals in the aging population, reinforcing the implications of so-called ‘rainbow-blind practice’ in social care settings. The presentation emphasises a need for developing comprehensive strategies that address these gaps in social care policy and practice, such as mandatory LGBTQ+ training for all social care staff, collection of SOGI data during the care assessment process, and developing a knowledge base of local and national support organisations for older LGBTQ+ adults.
Presenters
Dora JandrićEDI Methodologist, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Public Policy and Public Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Lgbtq, England, Policy, Practice, Assessment
