specialty focus
Rainbow connection
‘ New era ’ welcomed for older LGBTIQA + people accessing healthcare in Australia
By Eleanor Campbell
Australia will hold a first-ever public consultation exclusively for the LGBTIQA + community to identify the greatest disparities affecting access to healthcare .
A newly established expert advisory group for people who identify as lesbian , gay , bisexual , transgender , intersex , queer / questioning , and asexual ( LGBTIQA +) held their first meeting in late June .
The group was established after federal Labor pledged to drive long-term changes in health equity through a 10-year action plan .
“ Today is a landmark day for the future of LGBTIQA + health and wellbeing in Australia ,” Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney said .
“ For a long time , the advocacy of the LGBTIQA + community fell on deaf ears .
“ They deserve a seat at the table when it comes to the unique health challenges they face .”
In 2016 , around 4,800 older partners aged 65 and over lived in same-sex relationships .
According to a Council on the Ageing ( COTA ) report , older LGBTIQA + people often feel isolated and overlooked within the aged care sector and the broader community .
Older LGBTIQA + people have often faced violence , stigma , and discrimination , which may lead to reluctance to reveal their identities or share personal stories with aged-care services .
They may feel isolated and overlooked within the aged care sector and the broader community .
“ Past fears and mistrust of these services have made LGBTIQA + older people reluctant to use mainstream care , including aged care ,” the COTA report read .
“ Encountering discrimination in the aged care environment can trigger anxiety and depression as it reminds them of past mistreatment .”
Last week , the West Australian government launched a new program to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older LGBTIQA + people by connecting them with younger LGBTIQA + volunteers .
WA Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch said older LGBTIQA + people are often marginalised by service providers despite an increasing social acceptance of LGBTIQA + people in Australia .
“ We hope this program will build connection and understanding across generations , address loneliness and raise awareness of ageism ,” Mr Punch said .
“ Establishing and upholding supportive , non-judgemental connections to the LGBTIQA + community for older people is essential to maintain their mental health and wellbeing as they age .”
People who identify as LGBTIQA + face higher mental illness and distress rates due to community stigma , discrimination , and abuse . Less than
“
We hope this program will build connection and understanding across generations , address loneliness and raise awareness of ageism
half report feeling accepted when using healthcare services .
According to a La Trobe University report , over 30 per cent rated their health as poor or fair compared to 14 per cent of heterosexual Australians .
More than half of people identifying as LGBTIQA + in Australia have reported living with one or more health conditions .
Last year , federal health minister Mark Butler announced a $ 26m investment in health research for LGBTIQA + communities , along with a new national action plan .
The Health and Wellbeing 10-year national action plan aims to tackle health disparities and implement sweeping changes throughout the healthcare system .
Chaired by Ms Kearney , the advisory group comprises experts in LGBTIQA + health across Australia ’ s mental health , aged care , and disability support sectors .
Members include La Trobe University Professor Adam Bourne , GLBTIQ Multicultural Council President Alexander Teh , GLBTI Rights in Ageing chief Kedy Kristal , Health Equity Matters chief Darryl O ’ Donnell and LGBTIQ + Health Australia chief Nicky Bath .
Members will work with communities to co-design Australia ’ s inaugural national plan with a dedicated focus on enhancing the health and well-being of LGBTIQA + people .
During last week ’ s meeting , the roundtable discussed challenges faced by the LGBTIQA + community , which included research gaps and barriers to healthcare access . The group unanimously agreed to conduct a public consultation with the LGBTIQA + communities to identify priority issues and groups with complex needs .
LGBTIQ + Health Australia ( LHA ) chief Nicky Bath said the 10-year plan would give the government ‘ a blueprint for change .’ “ This action plan will save lives ,”
Ms Bath said .
“ For many years , the disparities in health and wellbeing outcomes have persisted or worsened .
“ We hope the plan will become a foundation for improved policies , interventions and approaches to achieve equitable health and wellbeing outcomes .” ■ agedcareinsite . com . au 21