Abstract
This paper centres on a neglected area of social work with older people-the social inclusion of older lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adults in long-term care environments. The translation of equality law into the delivery of adult care services is a challenging endeavour for organisations, even more so in the morally contested terrain of sexual well-being. In this paper, we report findings from a mixed-methods study into the provision of long-term care for older adults who identify as LGB. Herein we present findings from a survey of care workers and managers (n = 121) and from focus groups with equality and LGB stakeholder represent atives (n = 20) in Wales. Focusing on the current knowledge and understanding of staff, we suggest that affirmative beliefs and practices with sexual minorities are evidentamongst care workers and managers;however, theinclusion of LGB residents needs to be advanced systemically at structural, cultural and individual levels of provision. There is a need for enhancing awareness of the legacy of enduring discrimination for older LGB people, for cultural acceptance in care environments of older people's sexual desires and relationships, and for a more explicit implementation of equality legislation. Social workers in adult care can advance this agenda.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 409-426 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | British Journal of Social Work |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2017 |
Keywords
- Adult care
- Ageing
- Older LGB adults
- Older people
- Residential care
- Sexual identity
- Sexuality
- Social work
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)