WHY "LGBTQ-WELCOMING" WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES - A PRIMER FOR OPERATORS, MARKETERS & LEADERSHIP ...
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WHY “LGBTQ-WELCOMING” WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES A PRIMER FOR OPERATORS, MARKETERS & LEADERSHIP
TABLE OF INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 3
CONTENTS KEY MARKET DRIVERS....................................................................................... 4
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY: LGBTQ OLDER ADULTS............................................ 5
READINESS ASSESSMENT: LGBTQ CULTURAL COMPETENCY........................... 7
POLICIES IMPACTING LGBTQ OLDER ADULTS.......................................... 9
SETTING THE STANDARD WITH THE LEI................................................ 10
LGBTQ TERMINOLOGY............................................................................ 11
CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................. 13
ABOUT SODEXO.............................................................................................. 14
WORKS CITED.................................................................................................. 15
OCT. 14, 1979
LGBTQ-RIGHTS MILESTONES> The National March on SEPT. 21, 1996
Washington for Lesbian and Gay President Bill Clinton signs the
Rights takes place in Washington Defense of Marriage Act into
>1969 DEC. 15, 1973 >1978
and draws more than 75,000
people demanding equal civil
rights. >1982 >1993
law, a measure designed to
oppose same-sex marriage.
JUNE 28, 1969
The American
Psychiatric
Association removes NOV. 27, 1978
>1979 FEB. 25, 1982 DEC. 21, 1993
>1996
>1988
The Stonewall riots kick off after a Harvey Milk, an openly gay Wisconsin becomes Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell -
homosexuality from
police raid in the early morning at politician elected one year the first state to ban allowing gays and lesbians
its official list of
the popular gay bar the Stonewall earlier to the San Francisco discrimination for to serve in the military
mental illnesses.
Inn in Greenwich Village in New Board of Supervisors, is sexual orientation.
York City. The three days of violent
DEC. 1, 1988 without discrimination as
assassinated in City Hall long as they stayed in the
>1973
The first World AIDS
demonstrations marked a major by former city supervisor closet - becomes official
Day is held.
turning point in the modern gay Dan White. Mayor George U.S. policy.
rights movement. Moscone is also slain. White
served only five years in
prison.
2 us.sodexo.com Source: © 2019 POLITICO LLC https://www.politico.com/gallery/26-gay-rights-milestones?slide=0
INTRODUCTION
By 2030, the population of American adults ages 65 Even as the U.S. celebrates the 50th anniversary of the equitable and inclusive care and provide ongoing
or older is expected to surpass 70 million according the Stonewall uprisings, some of the very same activists LGBTQ cultural competency training for staff and
U.S. Census Bureau. In approaching that number, the who fought so hard for equality and the right to be volunteers.
senior housing industry continues to face challenges out now find themselves compelled to go back into
that impede its growth and profitability. Inert the closet in order to qualify for service or benefits. Developing a marketing strategy that attracts
occupancy rates, dismal profit margins and shortfalls Too many feel forced to make the difficult decision to LGBTQ older adults is the right thing to do. And
in qualified talent all represent major hurdles. endure this each and every day, hiding who they are, it’s good business. Given the opportunity for
because the community or complex they call home senior living operators to advance their growth
There is, however, one untapped segment of the is neither welcoming, informed nor respectful of their agenda, developing a strategic plan that attracts
market that presents a viable opportunity for senior identities. Even lifelong spousal or partner relationships and retains LGBTQ older adults and allies is a vital
living communities to grow their business—lesbian, must be publicly reduced to “friendship” in order to lever to business growth and to improve quality
gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) seniors. conform to property rules, regulations or perceived of life. Sustained focus on key market drivers,
Perhaps little known and less understood by the expectations (Wheeler, 2016). exploring new access to growth opportunities, and
industry, LGBTQ older adults experience a range establishing conviction and awareness at all levels
of unmet needs and discrimination when looking The senior living industry has a profound opportunity to of the organization are critical success factors for
for senior housing. This is especially unfortunate rectify this and ensure a better quality of life for LGBTQ organizations seeking to develop a strong LGBTQ
considering that it is a market poised for rapid growth older adults. As this paper will discuss, senior living strategy.
as a result of increasing numbers of Baby Boomers operations of all types can and should create a more
entering retirement. In fact, the National Gay and welcoming and inclusive experience for both current and
Lesbian Task Force puts the number of LGBTQ seniors prospective LGBTQ residents, their families and allies.
in the U.S. at 3 million and notes that this figure is They can openly implement supportive policies, develop
expected to double by 2030 (Tobijah, 2017). strategic LGBTQ organizational partnerships, prioritize
FEB. 23, 2010
The Obama administration
>2003 >2008 >2011
announces it will no longer
>2019
defend the Defense of
Marriage Act in court.
JUNE 26, 2003
In the Supreme Court case
Lawrence v. Texas, sodomy
>2004 NOV. 4, 2008
California votes in favor of Proposition 8,
which changes the state constitution to
>2010 >2013 JUNE 28, 2019
50th anniversary of the
Stonewall uprisings.
laws in the U.S. are ruled MAY 17, 2004 say that ‘only marriage between a man JUNE 26,2013
unconstitutional. Massachusetts legalizes and a woman is valid or recognized.’ The Supreme Court struck down the
AP Photos
gay marriage and becomes SEPT. 20, 2011 Defense of Marriage Act, the ban on federal
the first state to give A year after President Barack benefits for same-sex married couples, on
same-sex couples the right Obama signed legislation a 5-4 vote.
to marry. repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,
the policy officially ends.
WHY “LGBTQ-WELCOMING” WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES 3
“Promoting LGBTQ inclusion in the
senior living industry is the right thing KEY MARKET
to do. It opens the door to seniors who
previously have not felt welcome and it DRIVERS
offers tremendous growth potential for
operators.” Among the various residential care and housing options
for seniors, more than 80 percent are private or
— JOE CUTICELLI for-profit, with 40 percent of those affiliated with
CEO, SENIORS, NORTH AMERICA national chains (Presbyterian Senior Living, 2016).
SODEXO As for-profit ventures, these organizations must
prioritize driving return on investment, controlling
costs and ensuring occupancy rates are kept high.
RESIDENTIAL
CARE AND
HOUSING Another executive forecast on senior living (Mullaney,
80%
OPTIONS 2019) adds:
FOR SENIORS
PRIVATE OR “Changes in the U.S. economy and healthcare
FOR-PROFIT
40%
ARE AFFILIATED
system could alleviate some pressures and
WITH NATIONAL create business opportunities. However, to take
BRANDS advantage of opportunities, providers might
need to ‘detonate’ standard practices.”
A recent study reviewing skilled nursing communities
occupancy over a five-year period showed a consistent In other words, what might have worked in the past
fall in rates. From 2013 through 2017 occupancy is not necessarily a wise growth strategy today. That
rates in U.S. skilled nursing communities fell from same trends report also polled senior living industry
83.1 percent to 80.2 percent (Marcum LLP, 2019). The CEOs regarding what they see as key pressure points for
report notes that during the same time skilled nursing 2019. Labor and cost controls remain top of mind, with
communities were also managing through reduced one CEO stating:
reimbursements. Smaller independent communities
were struggling to hang on, while still smaller groups “…senior living companies will have to maintain
questioned their viability. a meaningful focus on attracting, engaging,
developing and retaining key talent. And we believe
To stay in the market, these businesses had to adapt that providing high quality care and personalized
to the changing demands of their clients. It is as true service to residents and their family members,
for skilled nursing communities as it is for independent making a difference one relationship at a time,
living, assisted living communities, continuing care, will allow senior living providers to earn trust and
memory care or others. endorsements from those they serve.”
4 us.sodexo.com
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY:
LGBTQ OLDER ADULTS
Ironically, the very market that the senior living industry seems to have
overlooked—and in some instances put off—now holds potential for being a
growth driver. However, to bring about that success, senior living operators,
marketers and program directors must remain attuned to the insights noted
earlier: (1) a need to adapt to the changing demands of clients, (2) a willingness
to “detonate standard practices,” and (3) an ability to attract, engage and
develop key talent. All are particularly important as it relates to LGBTQ older
adults. Why?
Not all cities in the U.S.. are
LGBTQ-friendly and only a THE Black & Latino LGBTQ A growing number of affordable senior living communities
few select providers actively 3 MILLION adults have compound
discrimination concerns
exist that welcome LGBTQ older adults, however the supply
is far from adequate and few referral agencies are seriously
promote a safe, welcoming
community. (Kozuch, 2018) LGBTQ about the quality of their
looking at the unique needs of this demographic. One
nationwide survey of 320 area and state units on aging found
OLDER health care as they age. that less than 8 percent offered services targeted to LGBTQ
Compared to older heterosexual
GROWTH/
ADULTS older adults and only 12 percent reported outreach efforts to
this population (Knochel, Croghan, Moone, & Quam, 2010).
DEVELOPMENT IN THE U.S. WILL 42%
couples, LGBTQ* older adults BLACK
are twice as likely to live
CULTURE
DOUBLE
31% 38%
Moreover, several studies indicate a fear of mistreatment or
alone and half as likely EMPLOYEES BY 34% 2030. LATINO
27% distrust among LGBTQ older adults in terms of the service
to have a partner. 42% they might receive in many senior living communities if they
(Adams, 2011)
COMPENSATION 14%
(TOBIJAH, 2017)
were open about their sexual orientation or gender identity
3% (SOGI). One report (The Equal Rights Center, 2014) found that
WHITE 40% 48 percent of same-sex couples were not treated the same
as heterosexual couples in terms of housing deposits, fees,
LGBTQ* older adults tend to be caregivers and are RACE/ETHNICITY SEXUAL ORIENTATION
availability and the application process. This is especially
four times lessGROWTH/
likely to have concerning given that only 21 states or localities currently
children toDEVELOPMENT
help them. 30% (Houghton, 2018)
offer fair-housing protections based on SOGI (Abrahms, 2019).
(Adams, 2011)
CULTURE 24%
EMPLOYEES 19%
COMPENSATION 27%
WHY “LGBTQ-WELCOMING” WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES 5
Statistics around these various areas of concern
for LGBTQ older adults can be eye-opening:
32 percent LGBTQ
Only older people
have concerns about being lonely and
22% 32%
growing old alone as compared to
19 percent for
feel they can be open about
their sexual orientation with non-LGBTQ people.
19%
care staff. (Family Caregiver Alliance, 2016)
LGBTQ NON-LGBTQ
(Adams, 2011)
89%
expect staff members would
43%
reported instances of
mistreatment.
discriminate against them. (Adams, 2011)
(Adams, 2011)
Any organization with a mission to serve the nation’s next 20 years aging populations will have different nursing communities, for example, are expected to
aging population would do well to explore ways to requirements for how they live (PGIM, 2016). It can address the issue by repurposing or converting units as
improve outreach and accommodation of LGBTQ older already be seen taking place as LGBTQ Baby Boomers low-income apartments, memory care units or assisted
adults. For-profit senior living organizations in particular begin to seek services. Once this cohort begins to fully living according to Health Dimensions Group (Health
should view the aforementioned challenges as an enter the pipeline of prospects, the demand for senior Dimensions Group, 2018).
opportunity—not just an opportunity to provide much living accommodations of all types will be tremendous.
needed services to a deserving market segment, but an In fact, the American Seniors Housing Association In the longer term, at the peak of Baby Boomer
opportunity to address competitive business challenges estimates that production of senior housing will need to retirement, the bigger challenge will be ensuring providers
as well. grow from 25,000 per year between 2015 and 2020 to are taking advantage of every market segment to
96,000 units per year between 2030 and 2035. include LGBTQ older adults. However, efforts to prepare a
Seniors have historically opted for assisted living residential community, or staff to present a welcoming
communities and long-term care facilities as they age, In the short term, several senior living operators will and inclusive environment need not wait.
but lately researchers have predicted that within the continue to struggle with occupancy rates. Skilled
6 us.sodexo.com
LGBTQ* CONCERNS
ABOUT LONG
READINESS ASSESSMENT: TERM CARE
LGBTQ CULTURAL COMPETENCY
67%
For senior living communities interested in attracting LGBTQ older adults, plenty These insights only scratch the surface of what Neglect
of informative research is available. A more recent AARP survey of LGBTQ adults embodies cultural competency for older LGBTQ
(Houghton, 2018) offers ideas on ways to immediately create a more welcoming people. The organization SAGE, which provides
impression: advocacy and services for LGBTQ older adults,
defines it this way:
“Cultural competency is the idea that 60%
MORE THAN EIGHT OF TEN LGBT older people are as deserving of
compassionate eldercare as anyone
88% RESPONDENTS
else. The LGBT senior population—a verbal or physical
say they feel more comfortable with
providers who are specifically trained large and growing one—has harassment
in LGBTQ residents’ needs. unique needs due to a lifetime of
discrimination and harassment. LGBT
61%
Use of advertising to highlight LGBTQ-friendly services
elders should not be fearful when
WAS NOTED AS FAVORABLE BY 86 PERCENT seeking health care or long-term care.”
OF RESPONDENTS. SAGE makes clear that the LGBTQ community is
not a monolith. This must be kept in mind when
limited access
addressing the needs of LGBTQ older adults as well, to services
Having staff members who happen to be LGBTQ who have a totally different set of life experiences
WAS SEEN AS PREFERABLE BY 85 than younger LGBTQ people. The former grew
up in a time that was far less welcoming, when
PERCENT OF RESPONDENTS.
LGBTQ people guarded their sexual orientation and
gender identity as a dangerous secret that could
cause them to lose their homes, jobs, families and 52%
Displaying LGBTQ-welcoming signs or symbols in freedom. They risked being labeled anything from will be forced
facilities and online WAS NOTED AS IMPORTANT criminal to mentally ill. That generation still carries
to hide/deny
TO 82 PERCENT OF RESPONDENTS. a lot of this baggage today as they attempt to
navigate issues related to housing and health care. identity
(Houghton, 2018) (Houghton, 2018)
WHY “LGBTQ-WELCOMING” WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES 7
“Why would you just rule out
a whole segment? LeadingAge,
which represents many non- In addition to considering generational differences “[Communities] that have received the
when developing LGBTQ cultural competency, it is training say it has made a difference. The New
profit retirement communities, important to also note other areas of diversity within
encouraged members to better the LGBTQ community. Jewish Home, a facility on New York City’s
serve the LGBT community, and Upper West Side with over 500 residents,
interest has picked up in the last • LGBTQ older people of color began working with SAGE before it started
three or four years. There are a few • Transgender older people offering the credential. While there were
communities that cater primarily to • Older people living with HIV/AIDS
always LGBTQ residents, it is now taking a
• LGBTQ Baby Boomers
the LGBT population, but more hope more active approach to making them feel
• LGBTQ older people and families
for a diverse mix of residents.”(Burling, 2018) comfortable, said Rabbi Jonathan Malamy, its
— KEVIN BRADLEY In developing a culturally competent and welcoming director of spiritual care and religious life and
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ONLINE LEARNING, environment it is important to address a number of factors a co-chair of its LGBTQ welcoming initiative.
LEADINGAGE including language, inclusive visuals in company materials,
LGBTQ programming and outreach efforts. One of the There are now rainbow flag decals on the front
simplest ways to cultivate both understanding and respectful door and on the doors of key administrative
relationships with LGBTQ older adults is through appropriate offices, and some staff members wear
use of language. Keep in mind, however, that some terms rainbow pins on their ID badges.”
still used by older LGBTQ people may be seen as outdated
by younger LGBTQ people. Become familiar with key A data-driven strategy supporting the realities of aging for
terminology and pay close attention to how residents use LGBTQ older adults must also establish governance and
terms and how they refer to themselves and others. accountability. Without firmly establishing organizational
policies and procedures to instill behaviors that drive a
SAGE is an excellent resource for guidance and training. It can culture of respect, inclusion and safety, it is impossible to
offer counsel across a full spectrum of cultural competencies bring about real change. Staff at all levels of the organization
to help organizations address bias or identify and manage need to be aware of and committed to a philosophy of a
needs unique to the LGBTQ older adult. In responding to welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ adults.
concerns from the LGBTQ community about a way to find
competent senior care providers, and in response to concerns A clear strategy for attracting and retaining older LGBTQ
from the providers that they are unclear how to make their adults and allies will be rooted in the market drivers, open
services fully competent, SAGE launched SAGECare, the doors to new growth opportunities, and incorporate ongoing
only national LGBTQ Aging Competency credential training and professional development that reflect the vision
(www.sageusa.care). of LGBTQ inclusion. Embedding measures of governance
and accountability will ensure the outcomes necessary
Companies earn the nationally recognized credential based to continually grow a culture of inclusion that is visible to
on the amount of training their staff receives. A 2018 article residents and family members as well as employees and the
in the Washington Post (Bahrampour, 2018) reported on the broader community.
training by SAGECare.
8 us.sodexo.com
Senior living providers can further elevate visibility
of their communities through strategic partnerships
OLICIES IMPACTING LGBTQ
P
with organizations like Out & Equal—which recognizes
companies with strong workplace equality for members
OLDER ADULTS
of the LGBTQ community, SAGE—which provides Many public and private senior programs do not recognize or support LGBTQ families.
community programs, social services and more to LGBTQ It may come as a surprise to know:
older adults, and Human Rights Campaign Foundation
(HRCF)—which together with SAGE have launched the • Social Security does not pay survivor • State laws vary regarding LGBTQ people,
first ever Long-Term Care Equality Index (theLEI.org). In benefits to unmarried, same-sex partners. with over half carrying no laws to protect
addition, the FORGE Transgender Aging Network, GRIOT against discrimination based on sexual
Circle, LGBTQ Aging Network and the LGBTQ Aging Project • Medicaid does not protect unmarried, orientation when applying for housing,
all have local presence across the country and assist in same-sex partners’ assets and homes insurance or employment.
providing more information on aging and LGBTQ older when a partner enters a long-term care
adults. community. • Some tax laws, pensions and 401K
regulations may discriminate against
unmarried, same-sex partners
(SeniorLiving.org, 2017).
“Three out of four adults age 45 and
older who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or
transgender say they are concerned about
having enough support from family and
friends as they age. Many are also worried
about how they will be treated in long-
term care facilities and want specific
LGBT services for older adults.”
— ANGELA HOUGHTON
AARP RESEARCH
WHY “LGBTQ-WELCOMING” WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES 9
SETTING THE “Assessment is a critical first step in helping
STANDARD WITH THE residential long-term care communities adopt
policies and best practices that provide culturally
LONG-TERM CARE competent and responsive care to LGBTQ older
adults. To effect real change, however, efforts must
EQUALITY INDEX also provide targeted resources and technical
assistance that bring these policies and practices
(Edited excerpts from Why the LEI? and theLEI.org. to life.”
Reprinted with permission from HRCF & SAGE)
— HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION & SAGE
SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization
dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ older people, WHERE YOU
and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF), CAN BEGIN
the educational arm of the nation’s largest civil rights
organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ An exploratory study by the Human Rights Campaign The Commitment to Caring Pledge is
people, are joining forces to address these issues by Foundation and SAGE revealed that there is great the first step in the Long-Term Care
launching the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI) to interest by aging services providers to participate in the Equality Index.
promote equitable and inclusive care for LGBTQ older Long-Term Care Equality Index initiative. Participating
people in residential long-term care communities. aging services providers will benefit by: Senior living communities are
invited to sign the pledge, indicating
SAGE and HRCF believe that most long-term care an intention to adopt the LGBTQ
communities do not want LGBTQ older adults to face • Learning best practices for LGBTQ equity and
inclusive policies and practices
discrimination or have to worry about the care they will inclusion
necessary to provide culturally
receive. But these communities may be unsure how • Having access to quality training and education competent and responsive care to
to protect their LGBTQ residents from discrimination, LGBTQ older adults.
• Gaining assistance with meeting state and federal
provide them with optimal care and extend a warm
regulatory requirements, including the new CMS
welcome to allay their concerns. In doing so, organizations will
Phase III Requirements of Participation
then have access to both an online
The LEI will encourage and help long-term care • Seeing an improved ability to develop culturally assessment tool and resources that
communities to adopt policies and best practices that appropriate marketing for future staff, clients and will help create a more informed and
provide culturally competent and responsive care to funders LGBTQ-welcoming community.
LGBTQ older adults. More than just an assessment, the Visit theLEI.org to learn more.
• Earning public recognition as a leading provider of
LEI will provide resources and technical assistance to
LGBTQ-welcoming services
bring these policies and practices to life.
10 us.sodexo.com“Supporting the needs of our aging LGBTQ
population is the responsibility of all of us.
LGBTQ
From the need for well-trained, culturally
competent staff in facilities to the need for
TERMINOLOGY
more culturally competent systems and • C
ISGENDER: A term used to describe a person • Q
UEER: A term people often use to express
policies, change is something we must all whose gender identity aligns with those typically fluid identities and orientations. Often used
associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. interchangeably with LGBTQ.
work on together.”
— CHRIS GARGIULO • G
ENDER EXPRESSION: External appearance of • S
EXUAL ORIENTATION: An inherent or
DISTRICT MANAGER, ON-SITE SERVICE SOLUTIONS one’s gender identity, usually expressed through immutable enduring emotional, romantic or
SODEXO behavior, clothing, haircut or voice, and which may sexual attraction to other people.
or may not conform to socially defined behaviors
and characteristics typically associated with being • T
RANSGENDER: An umbrella term for people
either masculine or feminine. whose gender identity and/or expression is
different from cultural expectations based
• G
ENDER IDENTITY: One’s innermost concept of on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being
self as male, female, a blend of both or neither— transgender does not imply any specific sexual
how individuals perceive themselves and what they orientation. Therefore, transgender people may
call themselves. One’s gender identity can be the identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.
same or different from their sex assigned at birth.
Source: HRC Glossary of Terms
• L
GBTQ: An acronym for “lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender and queer.”
WHY “LGBTQ-WELCOMING” WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES 11“Our founders, Wybe & Marietje
Kroontje, envisioned a senior living
community that welcomed seniors
from all walks of life. We reaffirmed
their vision during our strategic
planning process in May of 2019, some
45 years later, by deliberately crafting
our mission and vision to place great
emphasis on inclusivity.”
—F
ERNE MOSCHELLA
PRESIDENT AND CEO
WARM HEARTH VILLAGE
12 us.sodexo.comCONCLUSIONS 4 THINGS YOU
While the effort may seem insurmountable in some practices and governance structures that will ensure CAN DO NOW
instances, the reality is that senior living communities a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all of their
can achieve wide recognition and acceptance as residents. Tools and resources provided by the HRC
welcoming to LGBTQ older adults, even in supposedly Foundation and SAGE (see sidebar Setting the Standard
unwelcoming geographies. with the LEI) will help do that and more.
1. Create key partnerships
For example, Pennsylvania is among the 27 states in With 3 million LGBTQ older adults doubling in number that help build an informed
the country that ranked in the lowest-rated category, by 2030 in the U.S., it is incumbent on organizations
“High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality,” in HRC’s 2017 to continue driving strategies and policies that reflect strategy for LGBTQ inclusion.
annual State Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign, the realities of changing demographic trends in the U.S.
2018). The state lacks non-discrimination and hate seniors market. That means crafting a relatable and 2. Ensure diversity and
crime laws and maintains other laws that severely relevant strategy that addresses the market dynamics
undermine LGBTQ equality and allow for religious-based and unprecedented growth opportunities, while also inclusion are on the agenda
discrimination. building unique competencies through awareness at all for talent and succession
levels of the organization. It is an important effort to
Yet in that environment many of the hospitals and ensure that quality of life is improved for LGBTQ older
planning processes.
health care centers around the state have embraced adults.
LGBTQ inclusion. In fact, Pennsylvania ranked fifth 3. Provide training and
among states for having 19 facilities awarded
“Healthcare Equality Leaders” on the HRC’s Healthcare development opportunities
Equality Index (HEI) 2018. Included on that list was the that help staff and volunteers
Abramson Center for Jewish Life (now part of Abramson “Understanding the needs of diverse use appropriate language
Senior Care), one of just a few senior care communities
populations is critical to our business and when engaging the LGBTQ
to participate in the HEI. That accomplishment is the
perfect testament to making possible, the seemingly to providing the best possible care we can
community and its allies.
impossible. offer. As a market leader in providing
in-home care for seniors and other adults,
Still other senior living communities like Warm we know that creating an environment 4. Visibly market your
Hearth Village in Blacksburg, Virginia have long
where everyone feels a sense of inclusion community in a way that
enjoyed informal recognition and word-of-mouth
endorsement for being LGBTQ-welcoming. At the same and belonging is key to shaping quality opens doors to potential
time, however, they are actively engaging credible experiences.” LGBTQ residents.
and qualified third-party guidance on strategy, best — CARL MCMANUS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
COMFORT KEEPERS FRANCHISING, INC -
NORTH AMERICA
WHY “LGBTQ-WELCOMING” WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES 13ABOUT SODEXO
Backed by nearly 460,000 employees around the world, Sodexo remains an established thought leader and
Sodexo’s commitment to diversity and inclusion remains innovator in the space of diversity and inclusion—
a top priority. Currently in the 16th year of metrics- conducting ongoing, original research on topics that
driven efforts, Sodexo’s diversity journey has resulted include gender balance and quality of life around the
Sodexo is a global Fortune 500 company with a in a systemic culture change for the company and its world. For its achievements, the company has received
presence in 72 countries. Delivering more than 100 employees, clients and customers. Diversity and inclusion numerous accolades and recognition, from being
services that enhance organizational performance, are strategically woven into the very fabric of the ranked in the Top 10 of DiversityInc magazine’s “Top 50
contribute to local communities and improve quality organization as key business drivers, increasing employee Companies for Diversity” list for the 11th consecutive
of life, Sodexo is a leading provider of sustainable engagement and expanding business development year, to landing on FORTUNE Magazine’s list of “World’s
integrated facilities management and food service opportunities. Most Admired Companies.”
operations.
For more information, visit us.sodexo.com or e-mail SodexoOfficeOfDiversity@sodexo.com
14 us.sodexo.comACKNOWLEDGMENT WORKS CITED
Abrahms, S. (2019, January 3). Retirement Housing Options Marcum LLP. (2019, February 25). Five Year Nursing Home
This white paper was researched and for LGBTQ Seniors. Retrieved from Kiplinger: https://www. Statistical Analysis. Retrieved from Marcum: http://
written by Samuel Wells of S.E.Wells kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T036-C000-S004- marcumllp.com/lp/nursing
Communications, LLC and edited by retirement-housing-options-for-LGBTQ-seniors.html Mullaney, T. (2019, January 1). Senior Living Executive
David Boyd Williams of Sodexo. Adams, M. (2011, April 20). LGBTQ Advocate Sees Hurdles Forecast: 2019 Business Trends, Challenges,
Ahead. Retrieved from AARP: https://www.aarp.org/ Opportunities. Retrieved from Senior Housing News:
Special thanks to AARP Research, the relationships/family/info-04-2011/biggest-issues- https://seniorhousingnews.com/2019/01/01/senior-
Human Rights Campaign Foundation facing-older-LGBTQ-americans.html living-executive-forecast-2019-business-trends-
challenges-opportunities/
and SAGE for the many valuable Burling, Stacey. (2018, October, 3). Gay and Gray: The
retirement housing industry learns how to help LGBT PGIM. (2016). The Business of Aging. Retrieved from Wall Street
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* THE USE OF “LGBTQ” IS FOR UNIFORMITY ONLY, THE
ACTUAL STUDY USED “LGBT”.
WHY “LGBTQ-WELCOMING” WILL SOON BE A HALLMARK OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES 15You can also read
