Eldercare Chief Executive Jane Pickering said the short film was created to ‘debunk the myths’ that are still out there surrounding Eldercare’s LGBTI residents, staff, volunteers and families.

“With LGBTI people being invisible in the recommendations of the Royal Commission, it is up to aged care organisations to ensure that older LGBTI people are not overlooked and to ensure that they are supported to be themselves, be embraced and be free from discrimination,” said Ms Pickering.

“This film demonstrates Eldercare’s commitment to continuously building staff knowledge about the concerns and issues for LGBTI people and to providing safe and welcoming care and services.

In September 2019 Eldercare was the first residential aged care provider in South Australia to receive LGBTI Rainbow Tick accreditation.

This film will build on the cultural safety and consumer engagement that was a key strength of the organisation’s Rainbow Tick accreditation.

Those who participated in the film are Eldercare staff and members of the LGBTI Advisory Group, which brings together community members and staff to guide the aged care provider’s strategies for making our residential care welcoming and safe for its diverse community.

The film was made possible through a grant from the Office of Ageing Well and sponsorship by Veolia and Atlas McNeil.

For further information about the ElderPRIDE Project and LGBTI inclusive practice at Eldercare please visit our ElderPRIDE webpage.

Image: the Honourable Michelle Lensink MLC with drag queens Princess Laya and Fifi La Douce.