The University of Stirling are helping to educate health and social care staff on how to better understand the needs of the ageing LGBTQ+ community.
Members of the older generation that identify as LGBTQ+ often face feelings of isolation, deep mistrust, confusion and vulnerability – so much so that, more often than not, they feel pressured to hide their identity in care settings.
Image: David Wilson-Wynne.
However, the introduction of a new course from the University of Stirling is looking to change this. It is set to launch in March this year and will address topics such as historical discrimination, unconscious bias and celebrating diversity.
Ageing for the LGBTQ+ individual brings unique challenges,’ said David Wilson-Wynne, co-designer of the course and senior dementia consultant at the Dementia Services Development Centre. ‘A lifetime of marginalisation can create mistrust in healthcare systems, and if they have dementia these feelings can be exacerbated and make them feel even more vulnerable. Some may not even think that their sexual identity is legal, because their memories are of a time when gay was unlawful.’
‘These are all issues we aim to address with the new course, which marks a critical step towards ensuring that ageing LGBTQ+ people receive the compassionate, affirming support they deserve,’ David continued.
A separate study published in the Oxford Academic previously revealed that 55.5% of older adults who identified as LGBTQ+ often ended up living alone as opposed to heterosexual people.
It is statistics like the one listed above that have spurred academics at the University of Stirling to establish such a course. Arlene Bunton is a PhD student and co-designer of the course, and she has recently won a Dementia Care Award for her efforts to promote inclusivity in the social care sector.
‘There is a growing body of research to show that LGBTQ+ people affected by dementia do not receive an acceptable level of care,’ said John Angel Bond, co-designer of the course. ‘Despite the positive efforts of some organisations, services are still very patchy and unreliable, and certainly not fit for the 21st century. This course is both timely and overdue.’
It certainly is. Information about how to book places on the course can be accessed here.
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