Today, understanding and responding to the needs of LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer +) people is no longer a case of good practice. It is an essential requirement for organisations providing services, whether in the private, public or voluntary sectors. New legal protections and changes in society mean that LGBTQ+ people are more visible in all walks of life and are more likely to expect treatment that is relevant and does not discriminate or exclude.
Evidence shows that older LGBTQ+ people have an increased
likelihood of living alone and an increased need to be supported through older
adult services. However, there are many reasons why older LGBTQ+ people are
less likely to access the services they could benefit from.
Many of the challenges which face older LGBTQ+ people in later life are the same as for many older people. However, older LGBTQ+ people are also likely to face a range of other issues which make the experience of age and ageing more complex. Research has shown that many care organisations working with older people are often unaware of the issue’s older LGBTQ+ people face in later life and it is therefore important to raise awareness of these issues and to provide guidance on how these issues can be addressed.