Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 18(3/4), November 2007, pp.109-128.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Caregivers, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, often have to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, leading to stress and distress. However, as a result of discrimination and discriminatory policies, LGBT caregivers face additional barriers at multiple levels of service provision that exacerbate stress and adversely affect the quality of life of both caregiver...
Caregivers, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, often have to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, leading to stress and distress. However, as a result of discrimination and discriminatory policies, LGBT caregivers face additional barriers at multiple levels of service provision that exacerbate stress and adversely affect the quality of life of both caregiver and care recipient. This paper emphasises the lack of evidence but nonetheless highlights many of the barriers and provides examples of interventions designed to improve matters from the individual to the system level. The SURE 2 framework is presented as one such intervention at the individual level, combining grass roots support groups with training in basic cognitive and behavioural skill-building techniques. The paper concludes by discussing how the SURE 2 approach could be adapted or extended, and calls for the testing of a variety of interventions to help LGBT caregivers. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
Subject terms:
intervention, LGBT people, quality of life, stress, carers;
Sets out a series of narrative statements which describe what lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people want from health and social care services. These ‘I statements’, were developed using findings from a literature review and survey responses from over 200 people from diverse LGB&T communities. The statements were then reviewed by LGB&T people representing different LGB&T service provision organisations. The final statements cover: equality; respect and dignity; acceptance; understanding; confidentiality; and support. Each of the statements are presented as an ideal, allowing the reader to imagine a scenario in which the health and social care needs of the LGB&T communities have been realised. Short examples of individual’s experiences of good and bad practice are also provided. Recommendations for health and social care providers on how they can draw on the key themes in the report to improve their services are also included. The resource can used by those providing and commission services and will support them in designing and providing care that meets LGB&T people’s needs, focusing outcomes on what matters most to LGB&T people as service users.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Sets out a series of narrative statements which describe what lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people want from health and social care services. These ‘I statements’, were developed using findings from a literature review and survey responses from over 200 people from diverse LGB&T communities. The statements were then reviewed by LGB&T people representing different LGB&T service provision organisations. The final statements cover: equality; respect and dignity; acceptance; understanding; confidentiality; and support. Each of the statements are presented as an ideal, allowing the reader to imagine a scenario in which the health and social care needs of the LGB&T communities have been realised. Short examples of individual’s experiences of good and bad practice are also provided. Recommendations for health and social care providers on how they can draw on the key themes in the report to improve their services are also included. The resource can used by those providing and commission services and will support them in designing and providing care that meets LGB&T people’s needs, focusing outcomes on what matters most to LGB&T people as service users.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
good practice, LGBT people, health care, social care, social care provision, needs, user views, diversity;
This study maps the provision of specialist support for LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse in England and Wales. In doing so the study maps evidence of LGBT+ inclusion through 11 indicators that signal good practice; we also document services’ main funding streams and staffing resources. The key findings are: there are a small number of LGBT+ domestic abuse services – most are victim...
(Edited publisher abstract)
This study maps the provision of specialist support for LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse in England and Wales. In doing so the study maps evidence of LGBT+ inclusion through 11 indicators that signal good practice; we also document services’ main funding streams and staffing resources. The key findings are: there are a small number of LGBT+ domestic abuse services – most are victim support services based in London; LGBT+ domestic abuse support is largely provided by LGBT+ ‘by and for’ organisations with a domestic abuse service; on a lesser scale, LGBT+ specialist support also exists within VAWG and generic domestic abuse organisations; no funded LGBT+ ‘by and for’ domestic abuse services exist in the South West and North East of England, or in Wales; there are no LGBT+ specific services for LGB+ and or T+ perpetrators and/or perpetrator programmes; there is a lack of emergency accommodation/ housing services for LGB+ and/or T+ people, in particular GB+ and/or T+ men; there is a lack of service provision for LGB+ and or T+ children and young people outside of London; LGBT+ ‘by and for’ domestic abuse services often work outside of their geographical remit and beyond their capacity to meet the demand; on average, LGBT+ domestic abuse services are small, with just one or two staff members employed; there are currently 3.5 FTE LGBT+ IDVAs based in 4 services – Galop, LGBT Foundation, RISE and LGBT Birmingham; most services have no main source of funding; VAWG and domestic abuse organisations providing a specialist LGBT+ service are less likely to adopt key indicators for LGBT+ inclusion relevant to the needs of nonbinary and/or trans+ service users; partnership working appears to be underdeveloped – only a small number of services indicate referral pathways to their local MARAC; two ‘by and for’ LGBT+ organisations are not funded to provide support for domestic abuse, but continue to deliver this work due to demand.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
LGBT people, service provision, access to services, domestic violence, partner abuse, survivors, user-led organisations;
This report explores the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) victims and survivors of domestic abuse and the support that they need. It draws on a range of evidence, including data from SafeLives’ national dataset and the views of practitioners, experts and of domestic abuse survivors themselves. The report focuses on five key findings from the evidence and makes...
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report explores the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) victims and survivors of domestic abuse and the support that they need. It draws on a range of evidence, including data from SafeLives’ national dataset and the views of practitioners, experts and of domestic abuse survivors themselves. The report focuses on five key findings from the evidence and makes recommendations for change. The key findings are: that services are missing opportunities to identify LGBT+ victims, survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse; LGBT+ victims and survivors are experiencing high levels of risk and complex needs before they access support; LGBT+ victims and survivors need support tailored to their needs and circumstances; a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity can sometimes be targeted as part of the abuse; and that societal attitudes and lack of inclusion are preventing LGBT+ victims and survivors from accessing the support they need to get safe and recover. The report highlights the need for frontline practitioners to be mindful of how their client’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity may intersect with their experiences of domestic abuse and understand how this impacts on risk. The support offered also needs to be tailored to the issues faced by LGBT+ people and needs to be reflected in funding and commissioning. It includes recommendations for government, commissioners, multi-agency partnerships and statutory services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
domestic violence, LGBT people, survivors, access to services, needs, stereotyped attitudes, complex needs, discrimination, partner abuse, service provision;
NATIONAL LGB&T PARTNERSHIP, VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS DISABILITY GROUP, NATIONAL CARE FORUM
Publisher:
National Care Forum
Publication year:
2017
Pagination:
16
Place of publication:
Coventry
The third report in a series to explore how care professionals can provide better care and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people living with dementia. The report looks at the growing need for better care for LGBT people with dementia and the additional challenges LGBT people can experience when accessing care and support. These include discrimination and prejudice...
(Edited publisher abstract)
The third report in a series to explore how care professionals can provide better care and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people living with dementia. The report looks at the growing need for better care for LGBT people with dementia and the additional challenges LGBT people can experience when accessing care and support. These include discrimination and prejudice, being reluctant to disclose their sexual orientation, and increased levels of isolation. The report supports taking a rights-based approach to dementia care ensure that LGBT people have equal access to care that recognises their identity. Drawing on examples of good practice, it provides recommendations to help care providers improve the quality of their services for LGBT people living with dementia. The final section looks at what needs to be done to develop better dementia care strategies for LGBT people. These include the need for more research, additional training for professionals and the involvement of people living with dementia and their carers in the development of services. The report has been produced as part of a strategic involving the NCF, VODG and the National LGB&T Partnership.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
case studies, good practice, LGBT people, dementia, health care, social care, community care, rights based approach;
Joint report from Stonewall and the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) which investigates the experiences of LGBT asylum seekers seeking asylum due to persecution for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Researchers conducted 22 interviews with LGBT asylum seekers who had been held in UK detention centres. Interviews covered their experiences with staff and other detainees...
(Edited publisher abstract)
Joint report from Stonewall and the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) which investigates the experiences of LGBT asylum seekers seeking asylum due to persecution for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Researchers conducted 22 interviews with LGBT asylum seekers who had been held in UK detention centres. Interviews covered their experiences with staff and other detainees, their physical and emotional well-being in detention, and access to legal and health services. Participants were from 11 different countries in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Russia. The research found that LGBT asylum seekers are particularly vulnerable in immigration detention and experience discrimination, harassment and violence from other detainees and from members of staff. The detention environment has serious long-term effects on their mental and physical well-being. The LGBT asylum seekers interviewed felt forced to hide their identity, for fear of abuse. Detainees who were known to be LGBT were bullied, harassed or physically attacked by other detainees, and victims said they did not feel protected by detention staff. Interviewees also reported being denied access to medication, such as anti-depressants and HIV-drugs. Direct quotations from the interviews are included throughout. The findings show that staff are ill-equipped to meet the needs of LGBT people or to protect them from harassment from fellow detainees. The report makes recommendations, including for the Home Office to implement alternatives to detention and the provision of guidance and training for staff in immigration and removal centres to enable them to identify and tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
LGBT people, asylum seekers, staff, custodial institutions, discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, harassment, access to services, health needs, mental health problems;
Leaflet produced by Age Cymru's Older LGBT+ Network and Pride Cymru providing a list of eight recommendations for care homes to help them improve provision for older LGBT people. The recommendations aim to ensure that LGBT people can live in an environment that is non judgemental and inclusive.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Leaflet produced by Age Cymru's Older LGBT+ Network and Pride Cymru providing a list of eight recommendations for care homes to help them improve provision for older LGBT people. The recommendations aim to ensure that LGBT people can live in an environment that is non judgemental and inclusive.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
LGBT people, older people, care homes, good practice;
NATIONAL CARE FORUM, VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS DISABILITY GROUP
Publisher:
National Care Forum
Publication year:
2016
Pagination:
15
Place of publication:
Coventry
A case study-based report exploring specific support for LGBT people with dementia and offering a glimpse into the possibilities for good practice. While LGBT people with dementia share some of the same experiences as heterosexual people living with dementia, there will be many issues that are not the same. They may worry about being forced “back into the closet” in later life because...
(Edited publisher abstract)
A case study-based report exploring specific support for LGBT people with dementia and offering a glimpse into the possibilities for good practice. While LGBT people with dementia share some of the same experiences as heterosexual people living with dementia, there will be many issues that are not the same. They may worry about being forced “back into the closet” in later life because of the attitudes of care staff; they may be more likely to be estranged from relatives and lacking family support; some people may lose their inhibitions due to dementia, while others who have previously come out feel unable to be open about their sexuality or transgender status; and the anguish and confusion caused by dementia may be exacerbated as LGBT people with the condition may struggle to deal with negative perceptions of their sexuality or gender in residential care. The three examples outlined in the report include the Anchor sheltered housing scheme, Gay Advice Darlington and the Over the Rainbow, Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Trans People and Dementia project. Underpinned by a person-centred, rights-based approach, they show how to involve LGBT people in shaping policies and practices on dementia care; the importance of a partnership approach between health, social care and voluntary sector when supporting LGBT people with dementia; and the vital role of research in developing and refining methods of support; this can involve, for example, LGBT people’s hopes for their future care.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
case studies, LGBT people, good practice, dementia, older people, person-centred care, rights based approach;
A discussion of the experience of getting older for LGBT people in Scotland. The paper highlights some of the challenges they face, including social isolation, lack of family support, society’s attitudes and limited access to support and activities that suit them. Some people feel that the wider ‘LGBT community’, and LGBT specific social activity, groups and services, are very focused...
(Edited publisher abstract)
A discussion of the experience of getting older for LGBT people in Scotland. The paper highlights some of the challenges they face, including social isolation, lack of family support, society’s attitudes and limited access to support and activities that suit them. Some people feel that the wider ‘LGBT community’, and LGBT specific social activity, groups and services, are very focused on the needs of younger people. The paper also identifies what works well in groups, including peer support from other older LGBT people and mainstream groups and services. It suggests that as social and activity groups and voluntary and public services become more welcoming of older LGBT people, there are benefits for everyone: the inclusion of people from different backgrounds as members, activists and organisers, will mean more people get involved, helping to keep local organisations going; attitudes change as people get to know each other and find that – whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity – they have more in common than they might initially have thought; and groups and services that have planned how to be more accessible and welcoming to older LGBT people will become more welcoming for everybody, whatever their needs.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
LGBT people, older people, social isolation, peer support, access to services, stereotyped attitudes, discrimination, attitudes;
An investigation into the experience of homelessness for young people (aged between 16 and 25 years) in the UK who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBT). The research focused on assessing prevalence, understanding risk, documenting support needs and reviewing the provision of services, by local authorities and housing providers, for this population of homeless youth...
(Edited publisher abstract)
An investigation into the experience of homelessness for young people (aged between 16 and 25 years) in the UK who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBT). The research focused on assessing prevalence, understanding risk, documenting support needs and reviewing the provision of services, by local authorities and housing providers, for this population of homeless youth. There were four elements to the project, each of which have generated important findings: a literature review; a survey of housing providers; a survey of organisations providing services to LGBT young people; and a Vox Pop survey that was conducted at three Pride events across England. The report shows that young people who identify as LGBT are at a significantly higher risk of becoming homeless than their non-LGBT peers and are over-represented within the UK’s youth homeless population. This is in part due to their increased exposure to parental rejection, familial physical, sexual and emotional abuse and familial violence. In addition, LGBT youth are exposed to two additional risks unique to their sexual/gender identity: experiences of LGBT-phobic bullying, and the development of a minority sexual/gender identity. Once homeless, LGBT young people are also more likely to experience targeted violence and sexual exploitation, develop substance abuse problems, and engage in risky sexual behaviour, than non-LGBT homeless youth. As a result, significantly higher levels of physical and mental health problems are reported. Importantly, as this study demonstrates, they are less likely to seek help than non-LGBT homeless youth and when they do, there is a broad assumption of heterosexuality by providers and a lack of LGBT specific services. The report makes key recommendations for central government, local authorities and housing providers and future research.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
literature reviews, surveys, young people, LGBT people, homelessness, homeless people, local authorities, housing;