Lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) elders are four times less likely to have children, and twice as likely to live alone, yet are five times less likely to access senior services than their heterosexual peers. This lack of support increases the risk of depression, substance abuse, unnecessary institutionalization and premature death. (source: SAGEUSA.org) Currently, it is estimated that 1-3 million Americans over 65 are LGBT. As the baby boomers age, this number will reach 3-7 million by 2030.
Project Visibility is a training program developed in 2004 by Boulder County Aging Services, after the agency conducted extensive focus groups with area LGBT elders. These seniors wondered which service providers were “safe and friendly” and feared many could be unwelcoming, even hostile. The goal of Project Visibility is to co-create an aging services community that is informed, sensitive to, and supportive of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender elders.
The training is designed for administrators and staff of nursing homes, assisted living residences, home care agencies, and other senior service providers, as well as the friends and families of LGBT elders.
Participants in a Project Visibility training will view a 13-minute award-winning film in which courageous LGBT speak about their lives, their strengths, wishes, and concerns about the aging services network. The film’s intention is to educate, counter stereotypes and develop compassionate care for all LGBT persons as they age. An accompanying manual provides history, background information, terminology, resources, and practical suggestions for providing culturally-competent care and service. Trainees will learn the simple necessary steps to insure that their service or agency is LGBT inclusive.
To learn more about Project Visibility and watch an excerpt from the training film, please visit http://www.bouldercounty.org/family/seniors/pages/projvis.aspx
Registration for this webinar is completely online and FREE! Please click here to register now: registration.
