The mission of the BestCare4LGBTQI+ project is to create LGBTQI+-friendly care services for the elderly. The project provides tools and resources for homecare and institutional staff. It aims to raise their awareness on the needs of this population and equip them to better integrate them into society. The project also helps these services to assess their inclusivity, highlight existing good practice and become more LGBTQI+-friendly in the future. The aim is to make care services safe and welcoming places for LGBTQI+ people, where they can freely and safely express their identity. BestCare4LGBTQI+ has a long-term impact by training professionals and helping LGBTQI+ seniors. Project outputs include testimonials, a training manual, an e-learning platform, a database and an inclusivity badge. The project has reached a diverse audience, mainly healthcare professionals, supported people, families and LGBTQI+ associations. It encourages good practice and creates a European community of practice on this little-addressed subject.
In 2016, WHO developed the "Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health" plan. It recommends transforming healthcare systems for affordable access to quality services for older people. Indeed, every country must have a system that enables older people to live with dignity and enjoy their rights, including as LGBTQI+ people. Around 10% of residents in institutions for the elderly are LGBTQI+, but managers often say they don't have any. LGBTQI+ seniors face a high risk of discrimination in retirement homes and may feel compelled to hide their identity. Very few care services are adapted to their needs. The project partners wanted to solve these problems while taking into account national contexts. Their complementarity has enabled them to create innovative solutions, training and tools, adapted to different situations. The project follows on from Best4OlderLGBTI, which raised awareness of the sexuality of LGBTI seniors. BestCare4LGBTQI+ helps professionals to make services inclusive. The consortium has complementary experience and a broad network to reach the target group and improve the quality of life of LGBTQI+ seniors.