LGBTI+ people and dementia

Pauline and Hilary Nowell talk to Lucy Whitman about the value of “rainbow” support groups for LGBTQ+ people affected by dementia
Whitman L (2023) Once I had a secret love. Journal of Dementia Care 31(5)22.

When caring for an LGBTI person with dementia, it is important to acknowledge and understand their sexual/intimacy needs and provide an environment that supports diversity and inclusion... This helpsheet has tips for care staff to support an LGBTI person with dementia with their sexual or intimacy needs and understand changes in behaviour that may occur if these needs are not met.

This helpsheet provides information and tips for care staff to better understand the life events the LGBTIQ+ person with dementia may have experienced, and enable tailored care and support.

Catherine Barrett, Pauline Crameri, Sally Lambourne and JR Latham report on the results of their ground-breaking research into the experiences and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) Australians living with dementia.
Barrett, C., Crameri, P., Lambourne, S., Latham, J. and Whyte, C. (2015), LGBT Australians and dementia. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 34: 34-38.

A briefing paper by Alzheimer's Association (US) and Sage advocacy & services for LGBT elders.

free access to all articles in this special issue.

This resource draws on research conducted by Val’s Cafe in partnership with Carers Australia. The aim of the research was to document the experiences and needs of older LGBTI carers and the carers of older LGBTI people. The research took place in 2015 and gathered data from 54 carers - 49 completed an online survey and 5 participated in in-depth interviews.
Barrett, C; Crameri, P (2015). An extra degree of difficulty: An evidence based resource exploring the experiences and needs of older LGBTI carers and the carers of older LGBTI people. Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne Australia

This resource was developed as part of a research project undertaken by Val’s Café at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, in partnership with FTM Shed, Transgender Victoria and The Gender Centre (NSW). The aim of the project was to document trans people’s experiences of ageing and their health and aged care needs, and to develop a resource that privileged the voices of trans people.
Latham, J & Barrett, C (2015) “We’re people first”: Trans Health and Ageing – An Evidence-Based Guide to Inclusive
Services. Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.

Exploring the experiences and needs of trans people for health and aged care servicesThe barriers stopping trans Australians living their fullest possible lives remain unacceptably pervasive.
An important component of tackling discrimination and ill-treatment is raising the visibility of human stories
and how the actions of others can harm trans Australians.
Latham, J & Barrett, C (2015) “Gender is just part of who I am”: Stories from Trans Australians. Australian Research
Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.

This guide begins by outlining background issues, legislative, policy and medical contexts, and then presents key issues in trans health and ageing, the experiences and needs of trans people living with dementia. An evidence based guide to trans inclusive care, information on the importance of advocacy, and further information, including suggestions for using this resource as an educational tool.
Latham, J & Barrett, C (2015) “We’re people first”: Trans Health and Ageing – An Evidence-Based Guide to Inclusive
Services. Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.

Iinformation and tips for care staff to better understand the life events the LGBTIQ+ person with dementia may have experienced, and enable tailored care and support.

Choosing an LGBTI Inclusive Ageing and Aged Care Service

Developing an LGBTI Inclusive Practice Policy

LGBTI people and dementia. A range of online courses, videos and articles

10 questions to ask website