First packages for LGBTI seniors

Care Connect has launched Australia’s first ever LGBTI-specific care packages for older people at a function at the Brisbane Customs House.

These first packages, to be rolled out to older LGBTIs in southeast Queensland, are CACP, EACH and EACHD p

ackages which offer a plan of support and care for older people who have support needs but who still live at home.

“Traditionally the LGBTI community has been invisible when it comes to aged care tailored to their specific needs and sensitivities,” Care Connect CEO Paul Ostrowski said.

“We were delighted when the Department of Health and Ageing supported Care Connect’s proposal to tailor existing aged-care packages to suit the LGBTI community in southeast Queensland.

“We worked in partnership with the Queensland Association of Healthy Communities (QAHC) to successfully gain Commonwealth funding and we are now rolling these packages out in southeast Queensland and are calling for LGBTI seniors to take up this program.

“Our hope is that those who are at risk of living with unmet care needs can now feel comfortable accessing appropriate support services with the assurance of receiving care they need in a sensitive and appropriate manner.”

QAHC executive director Paul Martin said as a result of being marginalised for most of their lives, many LGBTI seniors had learned to hide their sexuality and gender identity.

“An 80-year-old would have been in their 60s when homosexuality was decriminalised in Queensland and in their 70s when discrimination based on gender identity became illegal in Queensland,” Martin said.

The care packages will be a trial program and Care Connect hopes to roll them out to other areas but that would depend on further Government funding.