September NUI Galway study to identify care needs of LGBT+ people with dementia

NUI Galway study to identify care needs of LGBT+ people with dementia

Researchers warn of risks of social isolation, loneliness and fear of discrimination

A new research project has been launched at NUI Galway to help service providers understand more about the care needs of older LGBT+ people with dementia.

The team will work with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to develop recommendations to help improve services and supports.

The project has the support of Independent Senator David Norris, who said: “It is important to realise that gay people like many others in society may face isolation and loneliness as age increases.”

Dr Sinéad Hynes, study lead with the Discipline of Occupational Therapy at NUI Galway, identified some of the challenges faced by LGBT+ people.

“International studies have shown that LGBT+ people with dementia experience micro-aggressions from other patients or care providers and that they are sometimes vulnerable to abuse,” Dr Hynes said.

“We know that older LGTB+ adults are less likely to engage with health services, yet they are more likely to report poor general health. There are also significant worries related to preparation for ageing. We want to know what is needed in an LGBT+ inclusive dementia service in Ireland.”

The 2016 LGBTIreland Report showed that 40% of older LGBT+ adults in Ireland do not disclose their sexuality or gender identity to their healthcare providers due to the fear of discrimination.

The research team highlighted that LGBT+ people with dementia, who have memory difficulties and may have challenges maintaining their identity as their dementia progresses, endure a significantly more difficult deliberation over whether or not to disclose personal information

Part of the NUI Galway research project involves a survey for LGTB+ people aged 50 and over, those who are partner-caregivers of LGBT+ people and others.

More information is available at https://diversifyingdementiaservices.questionpro.eu

Dr Laura O’Philbin, Interim Research and Policy Manager at the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, said: “The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is delighted to be supporting this essential research which will help all dementia service providers understand more about the care needs of older LGBT+ adults. There is still so much work to be done, however, research powers change and this research is a key step in the right direction.”

Dr Hynes added: “Very little attention has been given to their needs and with the support of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland we are addressing this lack of knowledge by working to create a set of consensus-based recommendations.”

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