More than half of those accessing specialist HIV care in England are now over 50, many living with complex long-term conditions linked to both ageing and years of HIV treatment. Yet care homes, primary care and community services often lack the knowledge and training required to meet their needs.
The report identifies significant gaps in staff training, consistency of care, and the pervasive stigma that affects access to health and social care services. Older women living with HIV face particular challenges, including poor access to menopause support, incorrectly adjusted medications, and heightened discrimination.
Key recommendations include mandatory HIV training for health and social care staff, improved multidisciplinary collaboration, age-inclusive standards in clinical and care home settings, and routine opt-out HIV testing for over-40s as part of NHS Health Checks.
Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said:
“For many people living with HIV, stigma is more harmful than the virus. We need a care system that understands their needs and treats them with dignity.”
Guillaume Favier, Partner at KPMG UK, added:
“Advances in HIV treatment mean people living with HIV can now enjoy a normal life expectancy. As this community ages, our health and social care systems must evolve to meet their changing needs.”
The full report, Towards an inclusive and integrated approach to care delivery for people growing older with HIV, is available on KPMG UK’s website.
