June 20, 2024 | Company News, LGBTQ+
Windward Life Care is proudly celebrating Pride Month by marking its fifth consecutive year of achieving Silver Level certification with SAGECare. This milestone reflects Windward’s consistent dedication to enhancing its capabilities to support the aging LGBT community through continuous staff training.
“We are thrilled to partner with SAGECare in our shared mission to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults,” said Norman Hannay, president of Windward Life Care. “At Windward, we believe in fostering a community where everyone feels respected, valued, and celebrated for who they are. This credential reaffirms our dedication to providing an inclusive environment that prioritizes the well-being of all residents.”
SAGECare, a division of SAGE — the nation’s largest nonprofit committed to bettering the lives of LGBT older adults — delivers LGBT competency training and consulting on aging issues to various organizations including for-profit companies, nonprofits, and governmental agencies. This partnership helps prepare a compassionate, knowledgeable staff ready to meet the needs of an expanding elderly population. Currently, up to 4 million older Americans identify as LGBT, a number expected to double by 2030.
LGBT older adults encounter numerous obstacles in accessing healthcare services, contributing to higher rates of health and mental health issues within this group. They are less likely to utilize formal supports due to previous experiences of discrimination or abuse. Surveys have indicated that older LGBT individuals fear facing harassment or receiving subpar services in long-term care settings, making professional training for home care workers essential to ensure these clients feel comfortable and valued.
To maintain its Silver Level SAGECare certification, Windward trained 40% of its team on how to effectively support LGBT older adults. The training encompassed understanding the basics of LGBT identities, the life stories of LGBT elders, how societal changes have impacted them, and developing skills to supportively work with LGBT elders and their caregivers.
“Earning SAGE’s Silver Credential demonstrates Windward Life Care’s commitment to treating its LGBTQ+ clients with dignity and respect,” said Nicholas Watson, managing director of social enterprise for SAGE. “Potential clients will also know that Windward is committed to offering culturally competent care to everyone.”
Since its establishment in 2004, locally owned and operated Windward Life Care has been serving the older and disabled adults of San Diego County. We have grown to become one of the region’s premier aging services providers. In addition, Windward has been recognized as a Top Workplace by The San Diego Union-Tribune every year since 2019.
We offer our clients a continuum of care services tailored to their evolving needs, including geriatric care management, in-home caregiving, and private nursing services.
For more information about SAGE and the SAGECare program, please visit sageusa.care.