Care advice for the queer community: Important information for gays, lesbians and all LGBTIQ people *
When someone becomes in need of care, many questions often arise: What services are available to me or my family members? Where can I find competent and respectful counseling? How can I ensure that my needs and identity are respected? Caregiving presents particular challenges for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. Here, you'll learn everything you need to know about caregiving counseling and why queer-sensitive counseling is so important.
Care advice according to § 7a SGB XI: What is behind it?
Care counseling under Section 7a of the Social Code Book XI (SGB XI) offers comprehensive support to people in need of care and their families. Care counselors help them navigate the system and organize appropriate support. The goal is to ensure individualized, needs-based care. Counseling can be provided by care centers, long-term care insurance funds, or independent care counselors.
The care advice includes, among other things:
Information on care services and financing
Creation of an individual care plan
Advice on relief offers for caring relatives
Support in applying for care benefits
Information on barrier-free living and aids
Why queer-sensitive care advice is particularly important for gays, lesbians and other LGBTIQ people *
Many people from the LGBTIQ* community have experienced discrimination in their lives and do not want to experience such stressful situations again. Trust is especially essential in care, but the experiences of many queer people show that care services often do not address their specific needs. Queer-sensitive care counseling ensures that:
the realities of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are respected,
chosen families are recognized as equal members,
special needs, such as HIV-specific care, are treated sensitively,
Care advice is free from prejudice and discrimination.
Contact points for queer-sensitive care advice:
Pflegestützpunkte centers with queer expertise
Spaces and networks of the LGBTIQ* community
Specialized counseling centers such as AlleFarben Alltagshilfe
Care allowance recipients: Advisory services according to Section 37.3 SGB XI
Those receiving care allowance and not using professional care are required to attend regular consultations. These consultations ensure that care at home is well organized. The appointment times depend on the level of care:
Care levels 2 and 3: Half-yearly consultation
Care levels 4 and 5: Quarterly consultation
Here, too, it is important to find a counseling center that understands and respects the needs of gay, lesbian, and transgender people in need of care.
Nursing courses according to § 45 SGB XI: Knowledge for caring relatives
Caregivers often face significant challenges. To ensure they are best prepared, free care courses are available under Section 45 of the German Social Code (SGB XI). Here, they learn:
Important care procedures
The correct use of aids
Techniques for self-relief
How you can activate and support people in need of care
It is especially helpful for queer people to find care courses that address their life realities and respect their identities.
Care advice in other languages and barrier-free advice
Another important aspect is the accessibility of care advice. Many people have language barriers or rely on accessible services. Good care advice therefore offers:
Information in simple language
Consultations in several languages
Digital consultations via video call
Accessible access and materials
How do I find the right care advisor?
If you or a loved one is looking for care advice, you can take the following steps:
Contact the nursing care insurance fund: The nursing care insurance fund is obliged to provide an individual consultation offer.
Use care centers: These contact points are independent and have extensive expertise.
Inquire about queer-sensitive contact points: Institutions such as Schwulenberatung Berlin or AlleFarben Alltagshilfe offer LGBTIQ*-friendly counseling.
Use online services: Many counseling centers now also offer digital care advice via video chat or telephone.
Conclusion: Queer-sensitive care advice creates security and trust
The need for care is a sensitive topic that requires respect and empathy. It is especially essential for gay, lesbian, and transgender people to receive counseling that takes their identity and needs seriously. The right care counseling not only helps with organizing and financing care services but also provides emotional security.
AlleFarben Alltagshilfe is committed to ensuring that queer people receive the support they deserve – non-discriminatory, competent, and with heart.
