“A little bit of masking tape and a lot of glitter”: Perspectives of older LGBT+ Australians on navigating aged care

BACKGROUND: There is growing awareness into the challenges experienced by LGBT+ older adults when accessing aged care in Australia. However, the perspectives of Australian LGBT+ older adults accessing aged care have not been well documented. OBJECTIVE: This study answered the question: What are the views and perspectives of LGBT+ older adults about their experiences of using aged care in Australia? METHODS: This qualitative study utilised an interpretive descriptive methodology. Between December 2024 to March 2025, semi-structured interviews were conducted with LGBT+ older adults accessing aged care either in a community or residential setting. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: 19 LGBT+ older adults were interviewed. Findings are presented in 4 themes that explore participants perceptions of the impact of their LGBT+ identity on their interactions with aged care (theme 1). Participants described their ideals of aged care (theme 2), the processes of getting started in aged care (theme 3), and their experiences when engaging with the care system (theme 4). CONCLUSION: Whilst there are shared experiences in aged care between LGBT+ older adults and the general population, the impact of minority stress is highly evident in the liminal phases between being assessed for, seeking and making decisions about receiving care.