Aged Care Strategy for LGBTI Australians Released

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PDF printable version of Aged Care Strategy for LGBTI Australians Released (PDF 231 KB)

20 December 2012

The Gillard Government today launched the first ever National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy to support the implementation of Living Longer Living Better – the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care reform package.

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said the Strategy commits the Government to high quality, culturally appropriate aged care for LGBTI people.

“We are predicting a large increase in the demand for aged care by this group and we need to be in a position to respond to their needs,” Mr Butler said.

“The Strategy will help shape the roll-out of the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care reforms.”

“Ultimately it’s about recognising difference and ensuring equality for all Australians.”

Mr Butler said there are five principles embedded in the Strategy to help aged care providers incorporate LGBTI inclusive practice within their organisations: inclusion, empowerment, access and equity, quality and capacity building.

“We want people to be part of the decision making on how services are developed, we want people to be supported to make good decisions about the care they receive and ultimately we want people to get the kind of care they expect and deserve,” Mr Butler said.

The Strategy was recommended by the Productivity Commission as well as groups including the ACON Health, the National LGBTI Health Alliance and the GLBTI Retirement Association.

Some of the initiatives outlined in the Strategy include:

• Deliver the $2.5 million commitment to provide LGBTI sensitivity training for the aged care workforce.
• Review the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) guidelines to include an emphasis on promoting and maximising access to advocacy for LGBTI people.
• Ensure that the Aged Care Complaints Scheme addresses LGBTI inclusion in its public and internal materials aimed at consumers and industry.
• Seek opportunities to recognise and promote excellence in LGBTI aged care initiatives, activities and programs.
• Help to ensure all government funded aged care providers develop policies and organisational processes to address discrimination and prejudice, and promote inclusion of LGBTI people, carers and staff within a best practice framework.