LGBTQ-Friendly Senior Living – 5 Things to Look For
How to find an LGBTQ inclusive senior living facility
June is Pride Month, an annual celebration recognizing the rights, voices, achievements and culture of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) Americans.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there are over 2 million seniors in the United States who self-identify as LGBTQ. The Baby Boom generation (1946-1964) was one of the first demographic groups that publically acknowledged their sexual identity on a large scale. Many in this generation are reaching their senior years and will need top quality and affirming senior living community care.
Although there have been many progressive advances in gay rights and societal acceptance, some LGBTQ older adults are still very concerned about finding senior living options that will support them in a respectful, compassionate and caring way, in the same as any person would want to be treated.
If you or a loved one are a member of the LGBTQ community, and are looking to find a senior living community that will meet all of your needs, here are 5 important aspects of the process to consider.
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Anti-Discrimination Policy
All quality senior living communities should have an anti-discrimination policy that clearly states all residents will be treated with the highest level of respect and dignity, regardless of their age, race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Be sure that any community you consider clearly posts their anti-discrimination policy for everyone to see, as well as makes it a part of their employee training program.
Cohabitation Rules
In order to meet the needs of LGBTQ residents, senior living communities must allow for same sex co-habitation for resident couples. If there is a policy against this, it is a strong signal that a particular community is not a good fit for LGBTQ people.
Experience Caring for LGBTQ Seniors
As you evaluate various senior living communities, it is important to ask whether they have any experience caring for LGBTQ seniors. If the community representative states that they have no knowledge about this, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a deal breaker. As long as you feel that the overall community culture is a compassionate and caring one, it can remain a viable option.
Specific LGBTQ Organizations or Clubs
If a senior living community is committed to caring for older LGBTQ people, they should have clubs or activities that specifically cater to those residents. These types of events help seniors feel comfortable to be themselves and enjoy time with other residents with similar life experiences.
Culture of Inclusiveness
When evaluating a senior living community, be sure to ask how they go about celebrating diversity throughout the year. If there are events and activities planned that recognize different cultures and lifestyles, it’s a great indication that the community is committed to promoting an inclusive environment.
Frontier Senior Living is Here to Help
Everyone at Frontier Senior Living is committed to meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of all residents including those in the LGBTQ community. We believe in treating all people with the highest level of respect and dignity. One of our core values as an organization is inclusiveness. Frontier’s experienced and knowledgeable team has helped thousands of families find the right senior living community to best address their loved one’s specific care requirements.
If you would like additional information, we invite you to visit one of our beautiful communities, take a tour and speak with our friendly and compassionate staff. Learn more about our Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Services here:
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Nearby Communities
Keepsake Village of Columbus Memory Care
2564 Fox Pointe Drive Columbus, Indiana 47203 (812) 900-4936 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Landing on Dundee Senior Living
156 West Dundee Road Wheeling, Illinois 60090 (224) 313-4547 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
The Auberge at Naperville
1936 Brookdale Road Naperville, Illinois 60563 (331) 305-6175 Levels of Care:Memory Care
