Residential care home leads the way in LGBTQ+ inclusivity

The Maples, a residential care home in East Sussex supporting 22 older adults, is pioneering LGBTQ+ inclusivity under the leadership of registered manager, Colin Scott.

With nearly 30 years of experience in social care, Colin has implemented the Skills for Care LGBTQ+ learning framework to create a welcoming and supportive environment for residents and staff.

Colin’s efforts align with the Circle Project, a University of Kent initiative promoting inclusivity in care homes. “For LGBTQ+ people with dementia, the challenges are immense… many of our residents grew up in a time when being gay was illegal. I wanted to ensure our service could meet these unique needs with understanding and compassion.”

Embedding inclusivity

Colin began by reviewing The Maples’ policies, practices, and culture, using the LGBTQ+ framework as a guide. Known as the "Post-it person," Colin tracked progress on every page of the framework to ensure no detail was overlooked.

Staff training has been a central focus. Colin initially shared his own experience and knowledge but is working toward formal, accredited LGBTQ+ training. “We’ve updated policies and started asking about pronouns and sexuality during pre-admission assessments, which helps us provide truly person-centred care”.

The Maples participation in the Circle Project has allowed the team to collaborate with other care homes in the region, exchanging ideas and best practices. Community-of-practice meetings have covered key topics, such as recruitment and CQC quality statements, ensuring alignment with national standards.

Involving families and residents

Colin has also prioritised engaging families and residents in the inclusivity journey. Staff meetings, family communications, and resident surveys have increased understanding and support for the initiative. A standout event was the Maples Pride celebration, which brought residents and families together to honour LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

For people drawing on care and support with dementia, personalised care plans address specific triggers and anxieties. “It’s about being sensitive to what residents are comfortable discussing and when.” The impact has been significant, with reduced anxiety and greater social engagement.

A lasting impact

Colin sees the changes at The Maples as a foundation for long-term progress. “This isn’t a quick fix, it’s a cultural shift that will take years to fully embed.”

The initiative has also influenced recruitment and staff retention. The Maples inclusive culture has attracted diverse agency workers and students on placement, some of whom have chosen to stay.

Looking ahead, Colin hopes The Maples will set a precedent for the care sector. “In 10 or 20 years, the residents needing care will reflect a more diverse society. We need to prepare now to meet those needs.”

Through its commitment to inclusivity, The Maples is proving that progressive change is both possible and impactful, offering a valuable model for other care homes to follow.

Find out more about Colin’s work at The Maples in our episode of The Care Exchange podcast.

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