In response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) has defined essential policy and action needed to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTI seniors.

The Australian Government is pursuing wide-ranging reforms following the Royal Commission. By implementing these policies and actions, government and the aged care sector can deliver high quality and culturally safe care for older LGBTI Australians.

During the Royal Commission, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) consulted extensively with older LGBTI Australians, their friends, advocates and families, as well as with LGBTIQ+ aged care workers. LHA made seven detailed submissions to the Commission with 70 recommendations.

LGBTI older people reported neglect, abuse, indifference and poor-quality care. They desperately wanted improvements to every aspect of aged care, including legislation and governance, workforce, complexity accessing the system, funding and standards for practical aspects such as personal care, nutrition and medication management.

These documents represent LHA’s contributions to the Royal Commission and its response to the Royal Commission’s findings.

They provide the framework for our ongoing advocacy on behalf of LGBTI seniors seeking care, dignity and respect within Australia’s aged care system.