Project Shows Training Improves Care for Older LGBTQ+ Individuals
The Life House Impact Project, led by Dr. Georgia Bowers, Professor Andrew King, and Dr. Richard Green, investigated the concerns of older LGBTQ+ people regarding housing and social care settings. The project then utilized these documented experiences to inform training programs for care providers. This intervention resulted in a notable increase in staff confidence and ability to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ service users.
A new initiative, The Life House Impact Project, has highlighted the concerns of older LGBTQ+ individuals regarding potential discrimination in housing and social care. The project, spearheaded by Dr. Georgia Bowers, Professor Andrew King, and Dr. Richard Green, aimed to document these real-world experiences.
The findings gathered from older LGBTQ+ people were subsequently integrated into training curricula designed for professionals responsible for delivering care services. This approach sought to bridge the gap between service user experiences and provider understanding.
Following the implementation of this targeted training, a significant improvement in staff responsiveness was observed. The proportion of staff members who reported consistently or always meeting the needs of their LGBTQ+ service users rose from 55% to 85% within weeks after participating in the program.
According to Phys.org, this outcome suggests that a focused intervention based on lived experiences can effectively enhance the quality of care provided to older LGBTQ+ individuals.
