Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people often face unique challenges as they grow older. It is vital that those providing them with care and support understand their needs, wishes and experiences. This book demonstrates how biographical approaches can increase understanding about the distinct perspectives of older LGBT people, enhancing inclusive care and support. Chapters explore people's expectations and fears surrounding care and service provision, the impact of discrimination, and specific issues such as HIV, dementia and end-of-life care. The importance of understanding people's whole lives in order to meet their needs is demonstrated, drawing on the examples of community projects that provide services and build networks. The voices of older LGBT people are heard throughout the book through the use of case examples and original research. This insightful book will be essential reading for all those supporting or caring for older LGBT people, as well as students and researchers in the health and social work fields. Reviews: 'This important book should be recommended reading for all health and social care practitioners working with older people, not just those with an existing interest in LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) issues.' - Resources 'This is a hopeful book that would make a great addition to any LGBT aging professional's library.' - Gray Pride Parade Blog 'This book provides an invaluable insight into the needs of the older lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) community in relation to ageing, future care and support... a thought-provoking read... recommend this book to all healthcare professionals involved in the care of older people, as well as those who have an interest in the health and social welfare of LGBT individuals.' - Nursing Standards 'Equally grounded in contemporary scholarship and practice, and representing an impressive array of authors, this volume nicely captures the lived experiences of LGBT elders as a 'story' in itself and to illuminate paths to more effective service provision in later life. Timely, sophisticated, accessible, and attentive to context, this is a must-read for anyone working with and/or interested in LGBT elders - and, indeed, the increasingly diverse ageing population more widely.' - Dr. Dana Rosenfeld, Senior Lecturer, Keele University, UK and author of The Changing of the Guard: Lesbian and Gay Elders, Identity, and Social Change 'Older LGBT people have too often been characterised as 'invisible' or 'ignored'. This ground-breaking book challenges this idea and offers vital insight into practice based on understanding individuals, their life histories, personal identities and circumstances. This book is essential for realising person-centred support and promoting genuine choice and control for older LGBT people -- an evolving population in a changing social care landscape.' - Dr. Sarah Carr, Senior Research Analyst, Social Care Institute for Excellence and Visiting Fellow, Centre for Government and Charity Management, London South Bank University 'This book is a useful introduction to the issues facing many older gay people today. A recommended read for all health and social care professionals working with older people.' - James Taylor, Senior Health Officer, Stonewall, UK Contents: Acknowledgements. Introduction. Mike Sutherland, Robert Gordon University, UK, Ian Rivers, Brunel University, UK and Richard Ward, University of Manchester, UK. Part 1. Growing Older: Diverse Pathways into Later Life. 1. Imagining the Unimaginable: Bisexual roadmaps for ageing. Rebecca L. Jones, Open University, UK. 2. Care Anticipated: Older lesbians and Gay Men Consider their Future Needs. Stephen Pugh, University of Salford, UK. 3. Trans Ageing: Thoughts on a Life Course Approach In Order to Better Understand Trans Lives. Louis Bailey, Trans Resource and Empowerment Centre, UK. 4. 'Women Like That': Older Lesbians in the UK. Jane Traies, University of Sussex, UK. Part Two. Implications for Health and Social Care Practice. 5. 'I'm Older Than I Ever Thought I Would Be': The Lived Experiences of Ageing in HIV Positive Gay Men. Robin Wright, Patient Consultant, Gareth J. Owen, University of Exeter, UK and José Catalan, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. 6. Categories and their Consequences: Understanding and Supporting the Caring Relationships of Older Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People. Ann Cronin, sociologist, Richard Ward, Stephen Pugh, Andrew King, Kingston University, UK and Elizabeth Price, University of Hull, UK. 7. Care Near the End of Life: The Concerns, Needs and Experiences of LGBT Elders. Gary L. Stein, Yeshiva University, New York, USA and Kathryn Almack, University of Nottingham, UK. Part Three. Community Engagement and Support. 8. Polari's Life Story: Learning from Work with Older LGBT People. Lindsay River, Polari, UK and Richard Ward. 9. Opening Doors and Opening Minds: Sharing One Project's Experience of Successful Community Engagement. Sally Knocker, independent trainer and consultant, Nick Maxwell, Age UK Camden, Mike Phillips, freelance trainer and consultant, and Stacey Halls, Age UK Camden. 10. Ageing in Gay Brighton. Kath Browne, Leela Bakshi and Jason Lim, University of Brighton, UK. 11. Meeting the Needs of LGBT People Affected by Dementia: The story of the LGBT Dementia Support Network. Roger Newman MBE and Elizabeth Price. Conclusion: Making Space for LGBT Lives in Health and Social Care. Richard Ward. Index. |