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Government committed to supporting diverse aged care needs


Morgan Liotta


26/02/2019 1:11:43 PM

The Federal Government has released an action plan for diversity designed to ensure all older people have equal access to quality aged care.

The aged care action plan for older LGBTIQ people aims to support equal access to aged care services that meet their needs. (Image: Joel Carrett)
The aged care action plan for older LGBTIQ people aims to support equal access to aged care services that meet their needs. (Image: Joel Carrett)

‘More than one in 10 senior Australians have diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex characteristics,’ Federal Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, Ken Wyatt, said.
 
‘The [Federal] Government is committed to ensuring equal access to high-quality, culturally appropriate aged care for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender-diverse and intersex [LGBTI] people.’
 
The Federal Government has released the Aged care diversity action plans under the Aged care diversity framework, for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) Australians to help address specific barriers this population may face in accessing healthcare, and support aged care providers.
 
Key resources include Actions to support LGBTIQ elders – comprising a guide for consumers and for aged care providers.
 
The action plan is designed to assist older LGBTQI people with ongoing access to culturally appropriate aged care, and ensure they are supported in expressing their needs when speaking with providers. It will also help assist providers in ensuring their services are safe and inclusive for all patients.
 
‘This plan has been informed by a broad consultation process with consumers, carers, providers and peak bodies to capture the voice and experiences of senior LGBTI people,’ Minister Wyatt said.
 
‘By providing culturally safe and inclusive services, providers will build confidence among senior LGBTI people, their carers, families, and allies.’
 
The aged care diversity framework also includes resources for LGBTQI sensitivity training, culturally appropriate care training, and aged care needs for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds – supporting people from diverse backgrounds in accessing aged care services that meet their needs.
 
‘Everyone in Australia has the right to access quality, inclusive and culturally safe aged care services that cater to their individual needs and respect their background and life experiences,’ Minister Wyatt said.
 
Note: The interchangeable use of ‘LGBTQI’, ‘LGBTIQ’ and ‘LGBTI’ in this article reflects people’s own terminology.



aged care culturally diverse LGBTIQ


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anon   27/02/2019 11:37:19 AM

Its hard enough keeping married couples together in nursing homes...


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