Skills for Care has helpful guidance to help social workers better support older people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ+) community.
Developed by the University of Strathclyde and the Pride in Ageing programme at LGBT Foundation, the framework aims to educate carers on LGBTQ+ history and modern day challenges.
It is particularly important for older LGBTQ+ people to feel seen and accepted as many will have grown up in an era when homosexuality was still a taboo subject and trans rights did not exist.
This denial of identity is often carried on into later life, therefore social workers need to have a deep understanding of these issues so they can provide the best quality of care to service users.
What does the framework include?
Insight into LGBTQ+ inequalities
Guidance of providing personalised care, including trans-affirmative care
Understanding intimacy and sexuality later in life
Leadership & education recommendations
Improving LGBTQ+ care
Oonagh Smyth, CEO, Skills for Care says: “We’re very proud to be part of the creation of this important framework, which we know is something that people working in social care want and need.
“It’s vital that care workers are comfortable supporting people with all aspects of their lives and identities, which includes their sexual and gender identity and personal relationships.
“We know that older LGBTQ+ people may face specific inequalities and challenges, and care workers need to understand these issues so that they can provide the most effective person-centred support to each person drawing on care and support.”
Imperium Solutions is an LGBTQ+ ally and we are ecstatic to see such positive progress in the health and social care sector.
Looking for a new role? Get in touch via info@imperiumsolutions.co.uk to learn more about our project based social care opportunities.
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