Eldercare Given ‘Tick of Approval’ for LGBTI Inclusive Practice

South Australian aged care provider Eldercare was awarded the ‘Rainbow Tick’ last week for its commitment to being aware, responding to and understanding the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community.

Eldercare is the first South Australian residential aged care provider to receive accreditation after meeting all six Rainbow Tick Standards.

Eldercare Chief Executive Jane Pickering said this outstanding achievement shows members of the LGBTI community that Eldercare is a safe and welcoming place.

“We are incredibly proud to receive the Rainbow Tick – and to have received accreditation on our first attempt is a testament to the absolute commitment of the Eldercare team to ensure everyone is welcomed and included,” said Jane.

Jane said older LGBTI people are often fearful that they will face discrimination when receiving aged care services.

Receiving Rainbow Tick accreditation demonstrates that everybody can expect to be treated with dignity and respect at Eldercare, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Eldercare Risk, Quality and Compliance Manager Chris Hunt said this success ‘would not have been possible’ without extensive engagement with the LGBTI community.

“During this process our team formed the ‘ElderPRIDE Advisory Group’ and interviewed members of the LGBTI community, which helped us to better understand their preferences and plan for services to meet their specific needs,” said Chris.

“The Rainbow Tick assessors found that the LGBTI people they interviewed identify Eldercare as a leader in this space.”

An artwork named ‘The Diversity Tree’, created by a team of residents, their families, staff and volunteers at Eldercare Evanston Park, was highly commended by the assessors.

“The Diversity Tree became a symbol of our commitment to inclusion and diversity, with prints of the artwork displayed in reception areas at Eldercare’s Head Office and all 12 residential care facilities,” said Chris.

Rainbow Tick assessors will visit Eldercare again in early 2021 to complete a mid-term assessment and Eldercare will seek reaccreditation in 2022.

For further information about the ElderPRIDE Project and LGBTI inclusive practice at Eldercare please contact Eldercare Consumer Engagement Coordinator Christine Morris on (08) 8291 1000.

Find out more about Eldercare.