Proud to Care: LGBT and Dementia (a Healthcare Guide)

A guide to support health and social care staff develop their practice in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people with dementia

This guide is designed to help health and social care staff develop inclusive practices when working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals living with dementia.

Understanding the importance of LGBT inclusion in dementia care

Around 5–7% of the population identify as LGBT. This means that approximately 1 in 16 of the people your service supports is likely to be LGBT. However, many LGBT individuals in health and social care settings often feel unable to share their identity openly. In dementia care, communication challenges can make expressing personal needs, relationships, or preferences even more difficult.

Creating an inclusive and understanding environment is essential. Without it, LGBT individuals may feel isolated, misunderstood, or excluded, which significantly impacts their wellbeing.

Why visibility matters

Being LGBT and living with dementia presents unique challenges, yet these are often overlooked. For instance, individuals may feel alone, encounter discrimination, or struggle with a lack of understanding from care providers. These challenges can be even greater if care staff are not aware of the individual’s needs or preferences.

When staff actively address these barriers, they foster inclusivity and make individuals feel safer and more understood. This not only improves their quality of life but also builds trust in care relationships.

Taking practical steps toward inclusion

We know care staff strive to deliver person-centred care that values everyone. However, discussions about sexual orientation or gender identity can feel unfamiliar for some. To help, this toolkit offers guidance to:

• Promote open communication by creating safe spaces where individuals feel supported.
• Develop awareness of LGBT experiences through regular training and reflective practice.
• Implement inclusive policies aligned with Scotland’s Health and Social Care Standards: My support, my life.

Moving forward with confidence

Ultimately, this resource aims to raise awareness of LGBT experiences in dementia care and inspire best practices. By embracing inclusivity, care teams can ensure that every person—regardless of their identity—feels valued, respected, and supported. Together, we can create environments where everyone thrives.