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What is the LGBTQ + Ageing Learning Framework and how can it help ?
In 2023 , in response to some of these issues , Skills for Care , a national organisation responsible for strategic workforce development in adult social care , launched a learning framework that details the core knowledge , skills and values required by the social care workforce to ‘ work affirmatively , inclusively , and effectively with LGBTQ + people in later life ’.
The framework was co-produced by me , in partnership with the LGBT Foundation and a small group of older LGBTQ + people with lived experience , and steered and supported very enthusiastically by researchers and practitioners and their organisations , all of whom shared their expertise and / or practice experience in LGBTQ + ageing .
It built on a rapid scoping review of the research evidence on LGBTQ + ageing . This enabled us to not only pool work to inform the content of the framework but to bring the research evidence alive by illustrating it with real life challenges and experiences that speak to people authentically .
It documents the strengths , contributions and recommendations made by LGBTQ + communities , their advocates , and allies , to the workforce , with their guidance and advice on how it can improve . Partnership and collaboration are important key messages embedded in this framework .
What ’ s in the framework ?
The learning framework for working with LGBTQ + people in later life systematically identifies and articulates 19 important subject areas known to underpin best practices with LGBTQ + older people and their carers ’ in social care . These are mapped to four key domains :
• LGBTQ + awareness and affirming practice .
• Health and wellbeing .
• Personalised care and support .
• Leadership , education and service development .
Within domain three , the subjects cover areas such as intersectionality in LGBTQ + ageing and how to support carers and people living with dementia . It covers sexuality and intimacy in care , safeguarding , end of life care and what trans-affirming care looks like .
Learners can quickly find the subject most relevant and its suggested learning outcomes , which guide education and training for different tiers of the social care workforce with relevant policy or legislative guidance and a range of freely available learning resources .
Together , these provide a solid foundation for informal or formal learning , as a stand-alone module or part of a module or training programme . The subjects can be used as a source for selfdirected learning . Completed learning activities
February 2024 OTnews 15