Aged care staff working with older gays and lesbians find it challenging to deal with homophobic attitudes and behaviour from other aged care residents, researchers have found.
The Auckland University study involved interviews with 47 staff at seven care facilities in the Auckland region about their views and experiences of
caring for older gays and lesbians.
The study, the first of its kind in New Zealand, follows Australian research that found lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex residents experienced high levels of unmet needs and fears of discrimination.
"The project is a first for New Zealand and will help to raise awareness of the unique needs of people from sexual minorities as they age," Auckland University nursing researcher Gary Bellamy said.
Staff in the study found it challenging to deal with homophobic attitudes and behaviour from other aged care residents, but said high levels of cognitive impairment among some residents was a mitigating factor.
