Reading and resources
Government Equalities Office ( 2018 ) National LGBT Survey Summary Report . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3HOST8M
House of Commons Library ( 2023 ) 2021 Census : What do we know about the LGBT + population ? Available at https :// bit . ly / 3OuKxHc
LGBT Foundation Website https :// lgbt . foundation /
Skills for Care ( 2022 ) Lesbian , Gay , Bisexual , Trans + ( LGBT +) Care in later life : A brief review of the research and evidence to improve inclusive and affirmative practice . Available at https :// bit . ly / 3SJN6rJ
Skills for Care ( 2022 ) Audio visual open learning resources on LGBTQ + ageing . Available at https :// bit . ly / 49h6VvK
can be logged and put forward for to meet CPD requirements .
Teams can use the subjects to stimulate group discussion among peers or within supervision . Training providers can use the framework to underpin core knowledge requirements and map these to their own in-house induction , professional and care qualifications framework .
The framework is designed to be flexible and comprehensive and is a useful resource to put on our desktop .
A formative evaluation of how social care organisations and professionals are engaging with the framework highlighted positive developments in social care : A training manager said : ‘ One thing that is great about the framework is its modular approach , people can work with their time constraints , and the flexibility allows people to prioritise .’
A third sector provider commented : ‘ It ’ s about thinking and talking LGBTQ + in everyday life . Everything I do or look at now , I think , what can I add , change , or tinker with , to make sure that we are really stopping ourselves from thinking that everyone is heterosexual or cisgendered and putting different situations in front of people ? My big takeaway is it ’ s not that hard actually , it ’ s just challenging yourself and others and thinking differently .’
Challenges and opportunities for occupational therapy
Occupational therapy has such a significant role to play in supporting LGBTQ + older people . Its focus on activities that enable and promote physical and mental health , emotional and spiritual wellbeing , and self-care for people in later life , and the way in which it is maximising opportunities for change , is key to change . This might include the following :
Reviewing the use of inclusive language in all communications ( see subject two ) and how knowledge of the terminology and language used by LGBTQ + people are conveyed to express and communicate their identities .
Inclusive language is not just about identities , but broadening or adapting our language is also important for topics such as the body , health and relationships and encouraging expression of interests .
Improving your knowledge of the legal rights of LGBTQ + intimate and familial relationships ( see subject five ) and record keeping of how the individual has described their significant relationships , so that these can be communicated to the team around the person .
Exploring the provisions of the Care Act ( 2014 ) for improving choice and personalisation for LGBTQ + people ( see subject four ).
Developing knowledge of local and national LGBTQ + resources and organisations ( see subject seven ) and your own resource bank . Signpost and network to engage with work that community organisations do and share ideas for improving access to and tailoring services .
And making a regular spot in supervision , team meetings and service consultations for LGBTQ + issues ( see subject 17 ). Use a learning event to explore a specific topic and develop an action plan that you can implement .
Words DR TRISH HAFFORD-LETCHFIELD , Professor of Social Work , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow . Access the Skills for Care LGBTQ + Learning Framework at https :// bit . ly / 3SstSFB .
Get involved in LGBT + History Month 2024
LGBT + History Month takes place in February and is an opportunity to celebrate achievements and support LGBTQ + staff . The campaign aims to increase the visibility of the entire LGBTQ + community , as well as their history and experience . This year ’ s national theme is # UnderTheScope , celebrating LGBT + people ’ s contribution to medicine and healthcare – with a focus on LGBTQ + health inequalities and the amazing work of LGBTQ + healthcare professionals . To find out more visit https :// bit . ly / 3ul4nOv .
16 OTnews February 2024