Federal Government announces action plan to support LGBTIQ aged care residents

Recognising that one in ten older Australians identify as having a diverse sexual orientation or gender identity, the government has created the Aged Care Diversity Action Plan.

It is intended to help LGBTIQ people express their needs when speaking with providers and to support staff in understanding the perspectives of the LGBTIQ older people in their care.

The action plan lists six outcomes for aged care consumers. They include the clear provision of LGBTI-inclusive information, training for staff on providing culturally safe care to LGBTI people and people living with HIV, the provision of aged care services in regional areas, the combating of social isolation and the different barriers faced by lesbian women and gay men.