Plans are currently underway to launch the UK’s very first LGBT care home in the capital to meet the needs of the community.
The establishment is set to be introduced by Tonic Housing, a company keen to transform the way that the LGBT community receives care by working hard to improve their quality of life.
After revealing their plans three years ago, the company has recently begun looking for sites in London to build the very first LGBT care village.
There are currently around one million LGBT people over the age of 55 that are living in Britain. Sadly, research has revealed that a high proportion of these individuals that live in care homes are fearful of prejudice and discrimination, with many feeling that it is necessary to hide their sexuality.
Stephen Wilson, Director of Novacare | recruit said: “The main function of care homes is to support individuals and ensure that their comfort and quality of life is always maintained, and this should remain a constant regardless of an individual’s sexual orientation.
“Unfortunately, a high proportion of elderly people that identify as being LGBT feel as though their needs cannot be met in a conventional care home. With 45% of elderly LGBT people claiming to have experienced discrimination when accessing social services, now is the time for a change to be made to ensure that LGBT individuals feel comfortable in later life.
“Hopefully the introduction of this establishment will also act as a springboard, encouraging similar places to open up around the country and provide the care that the LGBT community desperately needs.”
Tonic Housing has taken inspiration from an initiate in Berlin that endeavors to instill optimism and happiness in the older LGBT community.
Lebensort Vielfalt, Europe’s first multi-generational home for LGBT people, features a café, bar and restaurant, all of which promote a strong sense of community.
There are aspirations for the first LGBT home in Britain to act as a hub, providing businesses and services that are relevant to residents and the surrounding community.
