Assessing current and future housing and support options for older LGB people

This study looks at the how the choice of housing and support for older lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people is perceived, and how it could support LGB individuals to have a better life. It looks at the potential of personalisation in improving choice and control, and the importance of LGB people feeling safe to share their identity and life history, particularly for dementia. It found that:

• The present choice of mainstream housing and support for older LGB people is currently experienced as inadequate or perceived as unsafe.
• Older LGB people should be involved with local strategic planning and able to choose from safe ‘mixed’ mainstream and specialist LGB community options;
• LGB communities have a tradition of mutual self-help, supportive friendship networks and 'chosen families' which need to be understood and nurtured for older LGB people;
• Younger LGB people prioritise maintaining independence and combating social isolation in older age; and
• International innovations show how formal, larger housing and support initiatives for older LGB people can grow from and nurture community support and friendship networks.

To access the full report, please visit the Joseph Rowntree Foundation website.