Project Researchers Prof. Henry Brodaty AO, Kim Burns, Dr Ranmalie Jayasinha
Year: July 1, 2016
Partners
Program Overview:
There is a need for greater, targeted support for LGBTI people with dementia from all care contexts, requiring service providers to be better informed in the additional considerations relevant to the management of BPSD in this group.
This project has developed a web based eLearning resource and a suite of fact sheets for care staff and health professionals working in acute, community, primary and residential care settings. This resource aims to inform the dementia care workforce of the additional considerations required when caring for LGBTI people who present with BPSD. Extensive consultation was undertaken with consumers, experts, LGBTI peak bodies and those experienced in providing services to LGBTI people with dementia. Outcomes from a comprehensive review of the academic and grey literature are also included.
The fact sheets are available via our BPSD resource page and we are currently working with Dementia training Australia (DTA) toward the launch of the eLearning resource. When available, this eLearning resource will complement the existing eLearning resource Caring for LGBTI People with Dementia developed by DTA.
The additional considerations for LGBTI people who present with BPSD are based on the evidence and practice-based principles outlined in the document Behaviour Management, A Guide to Good Practice, Managing Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia and associated resources previously developed by the BPSD team at DCRC.
The target audience for the proposed LGBTI resource is care staff and health professionals working in all care settings. The eLearning resource will be actively disseminated via a targeted media launch and widespread email notifications. Email Kim Burns if you would like to know more.
We have been funded by a joint Sidney Myer Fund and Pride Foundation grant to undertake evaluation of the resource. Evaluation will be conducted via an online component within the eLearning resource and follow up ‘phone interviews to assess the capacity of the resource to support those providing care to LGBTI people with dementia.
[Successful DCRC grant recipient 2016]