Aged care report welcomed
ACON has welcomed Productivity Commission recommendations that Australia’s aged care system should address the specific needs of LGBT people.
ACON CEO Nicholas Parkhill (pictured) said the independent report supported ACON’s push for across-the-board strategies to accommodate LGBT seniors.
He was hopeful the recommendations would guarantee aged care rights for the LGBT elderly.
“We need a system which guarantees appropriate and sensitive services for all, and we hope the federal Government will implement the Commission’s recommendations in relation to including GLBT requirements in aged care planning and accreditation,” Parkhill said.
He said many LGBT seniors were seeking reassurance that the aged care system will be sensitive to their needs. Faith based aged care providers, who generally cater to retirees on modest incomes, were of particular concern.
“Given the history of religious organisations’ statements on homosexuality, people are understandably anxious about how they will be treated,” Parkhill said.
ACON is now calling for the new Seniors Gateway website to include a clear guide to gay friendly aged care providers providers.
Culturally sensitive aged care services already operate for some minority and special needs communities and ACON hopes to see similar systems extended to cover the LGBT community.
“Such systems and process are vital in ensuring a smooth and welcoming introduction to the aged care system for LGBT seniors,” Parkhill said.
