LGBTQ+ People and Dementia

Understanding, reflecting and action are the key messages of this book, linking person-centred dementia practice to equalities and respect. The authors focus on social care and social work practice to highlight how LGBTQ+ people living with dementia may worry about, fear and avoid care encounters. The stories they include can be read alone or in teams as thought-provoking ways to implement truly person-centred dementia care. – Jill Manthorpe CBE, Director, NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care WorkforceThis is a timely, accessible and informative book which brings to life the voices of LGBTQ people living with dementia and the injustices they face in relation to inequalities in dementia care for LGBTQ citizens. Based on research and practice knowledge, the authors provide excellent ‘food for thought’ and key learning with which every social worker should engage. – Trish Hafford-Letchfield, Professor of Social Work, University of StrathclydeThis short and punchy book feels timely and much-needed. Packed with case studies of good practice and prompts to reflect, it offers a wealth of ways that providers can rethink individualised health and social care with LGBTQ+ people. As an ally, I learned a lot! Highly recommended – Kate Lee, CEO, Alzheimer’s SocietyFilled with case studies and examples of good practice throughout, the rich and diverse histories and individual needs of LGBTQ+ people living with dementia are sensitively presented. This book is an essential resource for health and social care providers. – John Hammond, Brighton and Hove LGBTQ+ SwitchboardThis book is not only informative but also provides the opportunity for constructively challenging viewpoints and practice. The case studies indicate why things need to change for people who identify as LGBTQ+, and the good practice examples provide evidence of how this can be done. This book also provides some great examples of how to challenge discriminatory behaviours. Dementia doesn’t discriminate and neither should we! – Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and CEO Dementia UKAn important and insightful read for clinicians and researchers, brought to life by the voices of LGBTQ+ people. We must do better to improve the care experiences of LGBTQ+ people living with dementia, this good practice guide encourages the reader to reflect on their own practices and assumptions. – Dr Emma Wolverson, Clinical Psychologist. Research Lead, Dementia UK.Immensely readable, this book takes the reader through why and how LGBTQ+ people’s care needs differ and offers practical advice and case studies of how LGBTQ+ affirmative care can be provided. It should be essential reading for all those working in dementia care. – Alison Illiff, Health and Wellbeing Lead (Healthy Ageing), Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Yorkshire and the Humber

Sue Westwood is a Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of York. Previously a social worker and psychologist, she has over 20 years’ experience of researching, teaching and training about LGBTQ-inclusive care and support. She previously managed a dementia adviser service for a UK charity.

Elizabeth Price is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Hull and a registered social worker. Her work focuses on the lived experience of dementia, chronic illness, and sexualities.