Caring for LGBTQ+ Adults: How to Make Your Care Agency a Safe Space
Understand that every person has unique needs and preferences, and that’s reflected in our broad range of home care services
Home care agencies provide companionship and supervised care to adults in need of assistance to maintain their independent lifestyles. Today, many young adults cannot provide the in-home care their aging relatives may need due to geographical distance or the demands of their work or families. As a result, senior care agencies are often a welcome step that allows an older adult to stay in a familiar setting while receiving quality care. However, in recent years the healthcare disparities experienced by seniors who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) have come to light. Rectifying this problem is something that care agencies should provide solutions to, as our mission is to ensure that all clients are treated with dignity and respect.
If you own, manage, or work for a care agency, you can do a few things to increase your LGBTQIA+ knowledge and improve the quality of care for clients.
1. Gain Knowledge About LGBTQIA+ Care
The National LGBT Center for Health Education provides high-quality information about sexual orientation and gender identity and how to discuss these in a healthcare or homecare setting respectfully.
2. Become Familiar with LGBTQIA+ Definitions
Become familiar with terms and definitions appropriate when addressing a client who identifies as LGBTQIA+ and is respectful to each client as an individual. Trusted websites that provide scientifically and medically-vetted information include:
3. Make Your Care Agency Welcoming for LGBTQIA+ Clients and Their Families
Those who identify as LGBTQIA+ have often faced discrimination. Show that your care agency is a compassionate and accepting one by including some, or all, of these practices:
- Display your agency’s nondiscrimination policy
- Provide unisex restrooms
- Offer home care literature with inclusive language that specifically mentions LGBTQIA+ care
- Display posters or flyers commemorating Pride Month, World AIDS Day, and National Transgender Day of Remembrance
4. Become Comfortable Using Inclusive and Gender-Neutral Language
Home care professionals must become comfortable using inclusive language when discussing LGBTQIA+-centered care. Some examples include using married, partnered, or other when asking about relationship status and asking clients for their preferred name instead of or in addition to their given name. Also, asking for preferred pronouns shows that your agency understands that clients may not identify as they appear.
If you’re unsure how to address a client, don’t be afraid to ask. Asking your client how they prefer to be addressed is a sign of respect and signifies that you care about them as a person.
5. Familiarize Yourself with the Health Risks for LGBTQIA+ Clients
While home care and companionship do not take the place of medical care, home care workers should be familiar with the health risks associated with LGBTQIA+ clients. Some healthcare risks in the LGBTQIA+ community include a higher risk of:
- substance abuse
- cancer and cardiovascular diseases
- bullying by family or community members
- anxiety, depression, and suicide
By familiarizing yourself with these risks, you can report concerns to the family, the client’s primary care physician, or your local department of aging.
Emphasize the Importance of LGBTQIA+ Centered Care
More homecare agencies across the country are realizing the importance of welcoming LGBTQIA+ clients and their families. If this is new for your agency, consider adding role-playing scenarios about caring for LGBTQIA+ clients into staff development exercises. A little practice can increase comfort with new situations. And remember, acknowledging your client’s honesty and patience as you strive to provide the best possible care is always appreciated.
About the Creator
Laura Henry
Laura Henry is a writer and editor with a passion for alternative health products and practices. When they're not outside with their rescue dog, they spend their time exploring local wellness/new age spaces and practicing yoga.
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