Fit For Purpose: inclusive housing and social care for older LGBT+ people

New research on housing and social care needs of LGBT+ older people in Scotland

As Scotland’s LGBT+ population ages, issues like housing, health and social care, LGBT affirmative services, and ‘living a good life’ become increasingly important for our community. Older LGBT+ people face unique challenges that require specialized attention from policymakers, service providers, and healthcare professionals.

Understanding the needs of LGBT+ older people

Currently, little research exists on the needs of LGBT+ older people in later life in Scotland. We know anecdotally that aging as an LGBT+ person brings significant concerns. However, researchers have not yet addressed the specific needs of LGBT+ older people in a Scottish context—until now. This gap in evidence has left many questions unanswered regarding how to best support aging LGBT+ individuals.

Key findings from the research

LGBT Health and Wellbeing’s Age Action Group produced this ground-breaking report. It highlights the perspectives of LGBT+ individuals across Scotland, detailing their housing, health, and social care needs as they age. This research is the most comprehensive of its kind to date, offering much-needed insight into the issues affecting LGBT+ older people. By capturing first-hand experiences, the report paints a clear picture of the struggles faced by this community.

The report, ‘Fit for Purpose: Inclusive Housing and Social Care for Older LGBT+ People,’ presents strong evidence for the need for inclusive and affirmative health and social care services. These services must be designed to understand the unique experiences of LGBT+ older people and ensure that their needs are met with respect and care.

This report offers essential reading for policymakers, service providers, and anyone interested in improving care and support for aging LGBTQ+ individuals. It offers specific recommendations for change and calls for more inclusive practices within health and social care systems. You can download the full report here to learn more about these recommendations.