Report Damns GLBTI Aged Care
Local News
By Travis de Jonk
1st October, 2008
Researchers at Melbourne’s La Trobe University have publically released a startling report on the social health of non-heterosexual seniors in Victoria. The report was developed from initial results in a qualitative study of the experiences of GLBTI ( Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) seniors that receive aged care and related services in Victoria,
My People – the title of the report – is a Project exploring the experiences of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex seniors in aged care services, that aims to define key areas that require reform in defense of the human rights of GLBTI seniors dealing with discrimination and invisibility within Australia’s aged care system.
Principal researcher Dr Catherine Barrett from La Trobe University said anecdotal reports of discrimination against sexual minorities in aged care was the catalyst for the study, as well as the need to combating the silence that surrounds it.
The report reveals strong fears of having to return to the isolation and confinement of closeted life from queer baby-boomers and seniors regarding ageing in the 21st century.
The research shows that for those within sexual minority categories, growing older means going back into the closet, even for those who have been out for most if not all their lives to that point, for fear of being deprived of quality care, companionship and understanding when they most need it. Those surveyed also expressed a high degree of fear about a largely hetro-dominant health and aged care system that does not understand their unique needs.
Experiences include the feeling of not being able to be themselves, feeling forced to hide their true sexual identities, right through to direct threats, harassment, ridicule and invasion of privacy. Most of those interviewed conveyed some degree of depression, grief and loneliness, coupled with a longing for physical contact or intimacy.
While some aged care providers do respect and protect GLBTI people, according to the, most are still unaware of them. This means that they may be ignoring physical, emotional, and psychological needs of GLBTI seniors, which often indirectly contributes to them confining themselves to the closet.
My People reports that the fear and frustration surrounding aged care strongly hints that there are providers that may be breaking the law and breaching several Acts of legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexuality or gender.
Abridged
SOURCE: Same Same - Sydney,NSW,Australia
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