LGBTQI-competence in elderly care - a matter of safety and equal treatment

A worried generation
Many elderly LGBTQI individuals experience significant anxiety at the thought of having to move into a care home or accept home care services. The reasons for this are:
- Growing up during a time of high stigmatization
- Fear of encountering uneducated staff
- Experiences of previous discrimination

Current situation in municipal elderly care

Shortcomings in competence
- Only a small proportion of municipalities actively work with LGBTQI issues
- Staff often lacks basic knowledge
- Many LGBTQI individuals choose to go "back in the closet" when in care

Efforts of the National Board of Health and Welfare
To increase competence, several initiatives are underway:
- LGBTQI conferences for elderly care personnel
- Knowledge support for different professions
- Seminars during Pride on the needs of the elderly

How we can strengthen LGBTQI competence

Basic training

For all staff
- History of LGBTQI rights and discrimination
- Basic concepts and terms
- Common prejudices and how they affect care

For managers and nurses
- Develop inclusive policies
- Create safe spaces for LGBTQI individuals
- Implement routines for equal treatment

Language and communication

Use of inclusive language
- Avoid heteronormative assumptions
- Use correct pronouns and relational titles
- Create opportunities for open conversations

Minority languages
- Ensure interpreter services when necessary
- Consider specific needs of national minorities
- Adapt information to different language groups

Practical measures at the care facility

Physical environment
- Make LGBTQI perspectives visible in premises
- Create meeting places for LGBTQI individuals

Care documentation
- Include aspects of identity in the care plan
- Respect confidentiality around coming out

Reflection questions - LGBTQI

Care staff
- Which invisible norms govern our daily work?
- How can we create greater safety for LGBTQI individuals?

Manager, nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist
- What concrete steps can we take to increase competence?
- How do we measure progress in inclusion work?

Residents and relatives
- What experiences do you have of the care's treatment?
- What would make you feel safe in future care contacts?

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better care every day