LGBT Ireland is proud to support the publication of the Pride at Home report, a groundbreaking study examining the experiences of older LGBTI people receiving homecare in Ireland. The report highlights key challenges, including the difficulty many older LGBTI individuals face in having strangers enter their home—often perceived as their only safe space—and the ongoing need to ‘come out’ in care settings, which can introduce significant emotional and social risks. Pride at Home also underscores the limited awareness among homecare providers regarding LGBTI-specific needs and calls for better education and inclusive practices.
The findings of this report strongly mirror what we have heard through our work with the LGBT Champions Programme, which has engaged with health and social care professionals for several years to improve the inclusivity of older persons’ services. Many older LGBTI people still feel the need to hide their identities in care settings, fearing discrimination or a lower standard of care. The Champions Programme provides training and support to address these concerns, helping to create environments where LGBTI older people can feel safe, respected, and affirmed in their identities.
To further address these challenges, Dublin City University has launched the “Pride at Home” course on the FutureLearn platform. This free online program equips health and social care professionals with essential skills to foster equality, respect, and dignity in homecare settings. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical tools, such as guidelines and situational vignettes, to enhance the delivery of person-centred care for older LGBTI individuals.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all contributors, including community members who shared their lived experiences, the research team at Dublin City University, and our partner organisations. This report, alongside initiatives like the LGBT Champions Programme, represents an important step in ensuring homecare services are truly inclusive for LGBTI older people, affirming their right to dignity, respect, and person-centred care.
Read the Report: Pride at Home