News

Supporting Your Future with Respect and Pride

 Key Points at a Glance:

• Eldercare is the only Rainbow Tick-accredited residential aged care provider in South Australia.
• Plan early to ensure your aged care journey supports your identity and needs.
• Use tools like the Rainbow Rights Toolkit and “10 Questions to Ask” guide.
• Learn from real experiences like Sue Webb’s story, featured on SBS News.
• Culturally safe and inclusive care is vital for LGBTI+ elders.
• Greater LGBTI+ representation in aged care is needed, as shown by global studies.

Choosing Inclusive Aged Care in South Australia: A Guide for LGBTI+ Communities

As we age, planning for our future becomes more important than ever — and for LGBTI+ people, that includes ensuring we find safe, affirming, and inclusive aged care environments. In South Australia, there are growing resources and facilities working to better support the diverse needs of our community.

 A Positive Move: Sue Webb’s Story

This week, Sue Webb shared her experience on SBS News, reflecting on her move into Eldercare, South Australia’s only residential aged care provider with Rainbow Tick accreditation. For Sue, the transition was not just about finding a place to live — it was about finding a community that respects and embraces her identity.

With multiple locations around South Australia, Eldercare is paving the way in LGBTI+ inclusive aged care. If you’re planning ahead, consider touring a few sites near where you’d like to live. Feeling safe and welcome shouldn’t be negotiable — and with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.

 Plan Ahead: Why Preparation Matters

Sue emphasised the value of being proactive. “The earlier you start researching your options, the better chance you have of finding a good fit,” she noted in her interview. LGBTI+ elders often face unique challenges in aged care, including fear of discrimination and lack of representation. Planning early means you can make empowered decisions — on your terms.

Helpful Resources for LGBTIQ+ Aged Care Planning

Rainbow Rights Toolkit

Originally developed as part of COTA SA, the Rainbow Rights Toolkit is a valuable guide to help you understand what inclusive care looks like and how to advocate for yourself. The toolkit can also help you develop a personalised checklist to bring to aged care tours or assessments.

10 Questions to Ask

Found on page 19 of the Toolkit, this section includes practical questions — written by professionals with lived experience in aged care — that address specific concerns for LGBTI+ people. These resources are even available in 15 languages, making them more accessible to our diverse community.

 Representation Matters

Dr Sarah McMullen-Roach from the University of South Australia weighed in on a new global study calling for more LGBTI+ representation in aged care homes. Inclusion isn’t just about policy — it’s about people, stories, and visible support within care settings.

You can catch the full story featuring Sue, Sarah, and insights on LGBTI+ aged care by watching SBS On Demand (starts at 32:20):

 Final Thoughts: You Deserve Care with Pride

Aging should never mean hiding who you are. In South Australia, while there is still progress to be made, options like Eldercare Goodwood and resources like the Rainbow Rights Toolkit are helping to reshape the aged care landscape for LGBTI+ individuals.

Take the time now to explore your options, ask the right questions, and make choices that align with your values and your life.

Because you deserve to age with dignity, visibility, and pride.

Need help starting your aged care journey? Reach out to inclusive providers, talk with advocates, and lean on your community — your future is worth planning with pride.