NEW BEGINNINGS
UNDERSTANDING CARE NEEDS OF LGBTI PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA NEW RESOURCES AND SUPPORT FOR AGED CARE STAFF, FOR A TRULY INCLUSIVE AGED CARE SYSTEM
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nderstanding why a person with dementia is experiencing changes in behaviour is critical to developing effective person-centred strategies of support. For an LGBTI person with dementia, particularly in a residential aged care setting, this knowledge can be lacking.
the experience of LGBTI people living with dementia and behaviours, and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Many LGBTI elders have experienced discrimination, violence, isolation and stigma throughout their lives. These elders often do not—or feel they cannot—disclose their identities or past experiences. Although the Aged Care Quality Standards state every person in Australia has the right to access quality, inclusive and culturally safe aged care services that meet their individual needs, many do not provide LGBTI inclusive environments— increasing the likelihood of isolation and discrimination. While an LGBTI person with dementia experiences similar symptoms of behaviour change to people with dementia who are not LGBTI, as underlying causes are specific to each person, it is vital to respond to what is happening at the time and based on life experiences. LGBTI people living with dementia in aged care may experience behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) as a result of past trauma or experiences of discrimination. Although changes in behaviour may be related to the progression of dementia, many are a consequence of or impacted by other internal and external modifiable factors. To better support LGBTI people with dementia in aged care and inform the wider community about this often-overlooked demographic, Dementia Support Australia (DSA) has partnered with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA). Our teams have co-designed resources, including a booklet and help sheets, for residential aged care staff to better understand
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Resources are available to help aged care staff support LGBTI people living with dementia.
