LGBTQ+ Inclusive Homecare Provision
Research type
Research Study
Full title
LGBTQ+ Inclusive Home Care Provision - the LEAP study
IRAS ID
343942
Contact name
Paul Willis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background & Aims
This project aims to understand how prepared people working in home care in England and Wales are to support older (aged 60+) LGBTQ+ people. LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexuality and gender minority groups. Previous research shows that older LGBTQ+ people often experience discrimination from social care services and that care workers lack confidence and knowledge to support older LGBTQ+ people. These studies have focussed on care homes and extra care housing, but no studies have looked at home care. Receiving home care can be concerning for older LGBTQ+ people, because they worry they will have to hide LGBTQ+ identities. It is important to understand how prepared home care workers are to support this population, so that we can provide recommendations for providing more inclusive care.Research Methods
We will look at the existing literature for any information about the preparedness of people working in home care. We will then send a questionnaire to home care workers and providers (447 in total). We will ask them about their LGBTQ+ knowledge and skills, and what they need to improve their skills. We will also gather examples of good, inclusive practice. We will interview a smaller group of home care workers and providers for a more in-depth understanding. Additionally, we will interview older LGBTQ+ people to ask them about their experience receiving home care. They can write us a letter if they prefer.Dissemination
We are collaborating with large care organisations who have direct contact with home care providers. They will help us create and share resources and guidance for home care to provide more inclusive care. We are also working with five LGBTQ+ people (60+ years) who are advising us across the study and will be our co-researchers for interviews with older people.REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
25/IEC08/0043
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion