Creating inclusive assessment environments for older LGBTI people

Aged care assessments (at all levels) help service providers to understand who a person is, what’s important to them and what they need in order to live as independently as possible.  Assessments should be grounded in inclusive and respectful conversation where older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people feel heard, confident, and empowered to be involved in discussion and decisions about their care and support. 

In part 2 of this 3-part series focusing on inclusive practices for older LGBTI people, we again welcome Pauline Crameri and Andrew Rogers from Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care. Pauline and Andrew share their insights about what needs to be in place for older LBGTI people to feel safe and supported throughout the assessment process and how organisations and staff can create an inclusive, safe and welcoming assessment environment. This includes the importance of understanding history, the use of authentic communication and language, building trust and creating environments where older LGBTI people are comfortable to share if they are LGBT or I (or not).  

 Access the LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Language Guide: https://www.vic.gov.au/inclusive-language-guide

Access further reading and resources on Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care website:  https://www.latrobe.edu.au/arcshs/health-and-wellbeing/lgbti-ageing-and-aged-care