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Senior woman defends herself: Men's carers make me uncomfortable!
In Uelzen, Beate Liebelt, 84, experiences difficulties with gender selection in care. Their experiences raise important questions.
Senior woman defends herself: Men's carers make me uncomfortable!
Beate Liebelt is 84 years old and, after several back operations and a new knee, has experienced how important proper care is for her quality of life. Weekly support from an outpatient care service is essential for the senior, especially when it comes to showering independently. But one incident challenged her view of nursing staff: a male nurse showed up during an appointment, even though Beate had specifically asked for female support. “That makes me uncomfortable,” she said openly. Her husband, Wolfgang Liebelt, provides full support: “Self-respect must be maintained,” he explains emphatically.
Sophie Borm, spokeswoman for the Uelzen Helios Clinic, emphasizes that the dignity and individual needs of patients are taken seriously. Nevertheless, Beate Liebelt's experience shows that there is still room for improvement. According to Borm, the hospital tries to respect concerns about nurses of the opposite sex “as long as the conditions allow it.” In Beate's case, however, the request went unheard, so she had to cover the costs of the male carer herself.
Challenges in outpatient care
Dirk Ammann, owner of a nursing service in Uelzen, confirms that such concerns are usually addressed when the contract is concluded. However, he admits that it is often more difficult to fulfill gender wishes in outpatient care than in nursing homes. Olaf Heinemann from the Heinemann retirement and nursing home in Medingen reports that the wishes of the residents are generally respected in his house. But only two out of 50 residents have ever asked for female caregivers, which makes planning easier but also means the need for compromises when it comes to sickness or vacation.
But what happens when it comes to specific needs? This is where the issue of gender-equitable care comes into play. In a joint publication by Dr. Barbara Stiegler and Dr. Dorothee Beck is advised that those in need of care who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community often have specific needs that are often not taken into account in today's practice. Open communication is crucial to take these needs into account and counteract discrimination.
Inclusion and diversity in nursing
In addition, it is important to promote awareness and further training of employees in care facilities. In many institutions, topics relating to sexual and gender diversity often remain invisible or even taboo. The needs of queer people in old age are often overlooked, which can lead to discrimination and a loss of quality of life. According to the Bavarian Dementia Strategy, respectful care and consideration of sexual orientation are essential aspects of holistic care.
Nurses should be aware of the history of homosexuality and the life situations of LGBTQIA+ people. “Diversity in the team can enormously improve the way we deal with those in need of care,” say the experts. They also suggest that queer-sensitive care be viewed as an essential component of modern nursing practice. Facilities that promote this type of care promote social acceptance of diversity and thus improve the quality of life of all residents.
Given this issue, it is crucial that care facilities not only respond to the wishes of their clients, but also create the necessary structures to ensure inclusive and respectful care.