RESEARCH
The Rainbow-Inclusive Aged Care Project
Co-creating rainbow-inclusive care for gender and sexually diverse people in residential aged care
Led by researchers at Southern Cross University, the Rainbow Inclusive Aged Care (RIAC) project aims to improve care for gender and sexually diverse people in residential aged care.
In this project, we will conduct a national survey involving residential care workers and carry out research with two aged care providers who operate up to 19 facilities in Queensland and Western Australia. Our methods will include surveys, observations, and interviews to explore the supports and challenges associated with inclusive care.
We will co-create an inclusive model of care with LGBTQ+ people, and then implement and evaluate it in partner homes.
About the project
This project will be shaped by co-creation, co-design, and co-research methods with LGBTQ+ individuals as active participants.
We aim to provide evidence-based recommendations and resources to promote the inclusion of gender and sexually diverse people in residential aged care and provide a foundation for improving their health outcomes.
By involving LGBTQ+ people as co-researchers and utilising a collaborative approach, the project will ensure the rainbow-inclusive model will be effective in achieving the goal of inclusive care.
Study team and funding
This project is funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) – 2023 MRFF Models of Care for Sexuality and Gender Diverse People & People with Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics – Stream 2. It has a grant duration of five years.
Professor Mark Hughes, Professor of Social Work at Southern Cross University is the Principal Investigator for this project.
Collaborators
This project is led by Southern Cross University in collaboration with La Trobe University, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, and Edith Cowan University.
Partner organisations include Wesley Mission Queensland, Amana Living, Older Persons Advocacy Network, Australian Association of Gerontology, Aged and Community Care Providers Association, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, and GLBTI Rights in Ageing Inc.
Contact
For any queries about the RIAC project, please contact Chief Investigator Professor Mark Hughes, [email protected]
