QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
memory care program, caregivers need to be really comfortable with the whole person.” “You can do this now, or you can do it
later, but you’ll have to at some point,” Krinsky said. “We want to create a space where people feel welcome, and at home, and part of things.”
Three best practices Leaders, educators, and researchers point- ed to three top areas where senior living leaders can provide a better experience for all genders:
1. Hold strong community values and communicate them often. Make “valuing diff erence,” respect, and kindness part of the community culture; talk about these, and gently remind people of the importance of this when
needed, trainers recommend. “Diversity doesn’t mean you have to agree with me,” is one of the messages Krinsky uses, along with reassuring people that they’re enti- tled to their personal beliefs, but that the community needs to create a space where all beliefs are respected.
2. Cultivate both unique and inclusive activities. Evaluate your offerings for range and choice for all genders, on their own and together. Are men getting short shrift? The idea that activities such as golf or chess are “traditionally male” is now discounted, but has your programming caught up? A Veterans’ Day celebration, for instance, shouldn’t be planned around men alone, but needs to include women and LGBT individuals who served, too.
3. Check your communications. What kind of photos do you use in your marketing materials? Can you expand your advertising and information to use inclusive language such as “spouse or partner” rather than only “husband” or “wife”? This communicates your tone and values from the fi rst contact. Assum- ing that all residents will have adult chil- dren as a primary point of contact can cause problems; non-traditional couples and aging heterosexual adults alike may have a friend in that advocate role in- stead. Being aware—and showing you’re aware—of such diff erences can save time and trouble from a business standpoint as well as affi rm inclusive values.
MAKING PROGRESS
In 2013, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state legislature and Governor Deval Patrick came together to create the fi rst statewide LGBT Aging Commission.
According to a report prepared by the Commission to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “Today’s LGBT older adults are less likely than the general population of elders to have partners, children, and family who can provide caregiving supports, and are often estranged from their families of origin.”
After its launch, the Commission held listening sessions, consulted with older adult service providers and experts on LGBT aging, and developed recommendations in fi ve areas including long term support services, housing, and community engagement, among others. A few of the themes included the importance of:
• collecting data on sexual orientation and gender identity; • training for staff who serve older adults in the needs of LGBT elders; • instituting nondiscrimination protections; and
• emulating those that have created older adult residential communities for LGBT seniors. More information on the Commission and the full report prepared for the Commonwealth can be found at
fenwayhealth.org.
30 SENIOR LIVING EXECUTIVE JULY/AUGUST 2018
LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION
REPORT TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER AGING
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