The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Home Care Provision (LEAP) project is a two-year research study that aims to better understand how prepared people working in home care in England and Wales are to support older (aged 60+) LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and other marginalised sexualities and gender identities) people. By prepared, we mean if home care workers have the right skills, knowledge, and confidence to support the LGBTQ+ population.
Previous research tells us that older LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination when seeking support from social care services. At the same time, many care workers feel they don’t have the skills, knowledge and confidence to support older LGBTQ+ people. Previous studies have focused on care homes and extra care housing, but no studies have looked at home care specifically. We want to know more about the experiences of both older LGBTQ+ people and the home care workforce so that LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of home care are recognised, and the home care workforce is adequately supported to provide the best possible care.
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research for Social Care Programme and co-led by Dr Jolie Keemink (University of Kent) and Prof Paul Willis (Cardiff University). The study runs from 1 June 2025 to 31 August 2027.
On this website you can find more information about the study, the team and news.
Our project partners:
