Windward Earns SAGECare Certification for Competency in Caring for Aging LGBT People
June 1, 2021 | Company News, LGBTQ+
The Windward Life Care and Windward Home Health team is proud to announce we have earned a Silver Level Certification for 2021 from SAGECare. The certification recognizes our team’s cultural competency and training in serving San Diego County’s LGBTQ+ community.
“This recognition from SAGECare is especially meaningful to us during Pride month,” said Susan Valoff, LCSW, C-ASWCM, CDP, vice president of Windward Life Care. “We know that LGBTQ+ seniors face unique challenges and discrimination when seeking caregiving solutions, senior h 
ousing options, and other aging-related services. Windward’s commitment to understanding these challenges and helping our valued clients navigate them is a hallmark of our supportive care.”
SAGECare is a division of SAGE, a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGECare Silver Level certification recognizes healthcare and social service agencies where 40% of employees and administrators have participated in LGBTQ+ aging-related training, delivered by a SAGECare-approved trainer. SAGECare credentials are earned annually.
“We are honored to have received Silver Level certification for the second year in a row,” said Valoff. “At Windward Life Care and Windward Home Health, we assess each client’s goals and care needs to develop a customized plan of care. We take into account the client’s unique identity, including their religious/spiritual beliefs, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, and family structure.”