Researchers from the University of Kent, in collaboration with the University of Surrey and the University of Hertfordshire, have developed a free guide to support care homes to provide care that is inclusive for older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) people.
Co-designed with older LGBTQ+ individuals and care home staff, the guide offers practical tips for inclusive care practices, staff training, and supervision. It also includes signage to indicate LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts.
Research shows that older LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination in health and care services, and many fear having to hide their identities in care homes. The guide is part of the CIRCLE project, led by Dr Jolie Keemink from Kent’s Centre for Health Services Studies. It aims to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion in care homes. Dr. Keemink highlights the unique social and health challenges faced by older LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing the need for inclusive care.
The CIRCLE guide, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex, is available in several formats. There are a limited amount of physical copies that will be distributed in the local authorities that supported the project (East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove). Physical copies will also be available at the Care Show in Birmingham (9-10 Oct). Downloadable and printable formats of the guide, as well as a video version, can be found on https://research.kent.ac.uk/circle-guide/