Silver Rainbow: Ageing and Aged Care
Historically, LGBTI people have a shared experience of discrimination and prejudice. Many LGBTI elders have experienced violence, isolation, and stigma throughout their lives. These elders often do not or cannot disclose their identities or histories to services and can remain invisible in the aged care sector and broader community.
The Silver Rainbow project is designed to improve the experiences of LGBTI people as they age and enter the Australian aged care system. Australia was the first country to have a National LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care Strategy. Combined with other legal reforms, this has resulted in the ageing and aged care sector being increasingly focused on inclusive practice, but more work is needed to meet the health and wellbeing needs of LGBTI elders.
Through this project, LGBTI Health Alliance educates service providers, policy makers, LGBTI people and the general community about how to meet the needs of LGBTI elders. We also connect LGBTI elders to services and resources. Together we are working to ensure aged care services are inclusive of the diverse genders, bodies, sexualities and relationships of older Australians.