The recent WA launch of Alzheimer’s Australia national paper Dementia, Lesbians and Gay Men was well attended by a mix of community members and service providers. The paper, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Australia, was researched and written by Helen Birch, and was officially released by Roger Cook MLA. It is the first of its kind in the aged care sector.
The paper reports a widespread lack of understanding of lesbians and gay men diagnosed with dementia or caring for a partner with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Chief Executive Officer, Frank Schaper said lesbians and gay men living with dementia face particular challenges in dealing with the impact of dementia. ‘Many of them may not have any children or a supporting family which can make it especially difficult for the person facing the dementia journey,’ Mr Schaper said. ‘Social stigma and the lack of acceptance by fellow residents in aged care facilities is another big issue,’ he said.
The paper discusses the social context of ageing and dementia for GLBT people, the changing legislative context and issues for service providers and care workers in the dementia area. It also reports 18,000 people diagnosed with dementia are non-heterosexual and that figure will double by the year 2031.
‘As the peak body in dementia care, we are continuing to develop our expertise in supporting people who, because of their sexual orientation, may be facing the dementia journey on their own,’ Mr Schaper said.
Virginia Hailes a counsellor at Alzheimer’s Australia also spoke at the launch. She said the organisation is setting up a GLBTI carer group as a way of providing specific support for people in the community.
Jude Comfort, Chair of GRAI (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex Retirement Association Inc.) said ‘Alzheimer’s Australia is to be commended on this paper and the recognition that we need to understand and respond to the unique needs of LGBT people in all health areas’.
Ms Comfort said the paper should be seen only as a starting point for the issue of dementia in older GLBT people.
‘We need to ensure that such a promising start is followed with action. The information presented needs to be taken on board by service providers to enable a more inclusive and GLBT friendly service,’ she said.
The lack of understanding reported in the dementia paper mirrors early findings of the GRAI research project looking at service providers in the aged care accommodation area.
‘They are also saying things like they don’t have any gay people in their facilities or that they do not see that there are any special requirements for GLBTI people’.
GRAI
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