title: Sociolegal and practice implications of caring for LGBT people with dementia.
abstract: The needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people with dementia are poorly recognised. This is due partly to assumptions that all older people are heterosexual or asexual. One quarter of gay or bisexual men and half of lesbian or bisexual women have children, compared with 90% of heterosexual women and men, which means LGBT older adults are more likely to reside in care homes. Older LGBT people may be unwilling to express their sexual identities in care settings and this can affect their care. Members of older people's informal care networks must be recognised to ensure their involvement in the lives of residents in care settings continues. However, healthcare professionals may not always realise that many LGBT people rely on their families of choice or wider social networks more than on their families of origin. This article explores sociolegal issues that can arise in the care of older LGBT people with dementia, including enabling autonomy, capacity and applying legal frameworks to support their identities and relationships. It also highlights implications for practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Sciences, Loughborough University.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Peel
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham.
authors.forename: Rosie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Harding
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family; D033062:Friends; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009735:Nursing Homes; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D019727:Proxy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012650:Self Disclosure; D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: LGBT; Mental Capacity Act; attitudes of healthcare staff; dementia; older people; sexuality