LGBTI seniors urged to switch on to stay connected

Robyn Lierton is the community engagement and diversity manager for South Australian aged care provider ECH, which runs an LGBTI Connect program for seniors around the state.

"It's incredibly important to do everything we can to keep LGBTI elders connected to each other during this time of enforced social isolation due to COVID-19," she said.

"LGBTI older people are much more likely to be isolated from biological family members, so frequently their 'family of choice' are other people from the LGBTI community who understand the challenges and joys that are uniquely faced by same-sex attracted and gender diverse people."

She said one the of challenges faced by LGBTI people are very high levels of depression and anxiety, often caused by discrimination from the wider society.

"We're already starting to see LGBTI older people starting to really struggle with depression and loneliness as they are unable to physically see their families of choice," added Robyn.

ECH's LGBTI Connect program offers help to older South Australians understanding what home services may be right for them and navigating My Aged Care.

The team is also setting up a buddy program, where people who attend the regular ECH Rainbow Social Program are linked with another attendee for weekly phone calls, video calls, texts or a handwritten letter.

COTA SA's Rainbow Hub, for LGBTI people aged 50 and over, has also ramped up its support during COVID-19, with more frequent updates via its newsletter, phone calls, aged care support and advice.

"One of the things we're doing is moving our Rainbow Hub lunches into an online conversation, using Zoom," said Rainbow Hub project officer Jackie Wurm. These will run on the fourth Thursday of each month, 12-1pm.

"We're trying to reach beyond those people who would normally be online, and get to those who perhaps haven't used this new technology before."

COTA SA is teaming up with SA-based Catalyst, ECH, Bfriend and the SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance (SARAA) and the Department of Human Services Rainbow Network, to complement their activities, and help provide information across all platforms.

Where possible volunteer home visiting programs, such as the Community Visitor Scheme, have moved from face-to-face meetings to phone calls, video catch-ups or even sending letters, said Jackie.

For ECH Rainbow Social Connections program attendee Marie (not her real name), staying in contact is critical, but technology can sometimes be a barrier.

"We all need human connection. We can stay connected as long as we have the means, and people 75 over struggle as they don't often have the technology," she said.

The Catalyst Foundation runs social activities for LGBTI seniors. Its LGBTIQA+ project officer Lucy Hackworth says while the COVID-19 lockdown has meant putting some events on hold, the move to virtual events is under way.

"Our online book group and virtual over-50s dinner both went well," she said. "What became apparent, however, is just how much anxiety is caused by technology (especially technology not working), and some felt like giving up, or felt like they were failing.

"For several, knowing that some are able to master the tech and join in while they cannot is sometimes worse than groups being cancelled altogether. But, for those who are grasping it, it's been great so far!"

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