Creating culturally-appropriate services

Dignity Seniors Society (DSS) has adapted a model designed by Senior Pride Network Toronto, and the See Hear Feel model (more on this, below).

QMUNITY has also provides Older Adults and Seniors programs, and developed a “cultural safety” 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusivity Training & Education program for seniors care facilities to ensure staff and residents are aware of 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors’ specific needs.

Please consult with us (DSS) if you have any questions or doubt about how to implement these models in your seniors’ facility.

    • Policies and strategies are created and communicated to senior staff to the needs, strengths and priorities of 2SLGBTQIA+ clients/communities.

    • Written and graphic materials are welcoming and inclusive of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents, families, volunteers and staff.

    • 2SLGBTQIA+ people are consulted about their needs and issues and are able to register concerns or complaints.

    • 2SLGBTQIA+ people and organizations are sought out and welcomed as participants in the daily life of the homes.

    • The facilities celebrate significant 2SLGBTQIA+ events with the community.

    • Design and decor provide a welcoming environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

    • Care and attention to safety are shown in selecting room-mates or in the sharing of facilities

    • Are designed to meet the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of 2SLGBTQIA+residents.

    • Are delivered with sensitivity to the history of oppression of 2SLGBTQIA+ people

    • Includes robust anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.

    • Creates hiring policies to welcome and promote people from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities

See Hear Feel model

Dignity Seniors Society (DSS) has adapted the See Hear Feel model by American meditation teacher Shinzen Young.

See: in the physical environment, is there evidence of positive signs and symbols displayed throughout the home?

  • Written, graphic materials, images, artwork and signage welcomes and are inclusive of 2SLGBTQIA+ people to the home. This could include displays of the rainbow flag, images of same-sex couples, posters and information relevant to the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community, display of the homes participation at the Pride Parade, announcements of upcoming community meetings with 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive local agencies, as examples;

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ literature and materials, such as newspapers, magazines and brochures are accessible in common areas of the home, i.e., front lobby sitting area, a 2SLGBTQIA+ section in the homes library, 2SLGBTQIA+ themed movies and DVDs, inclusion and announcements of 2SLGBTQIA+ programs and services being offered in the home are included in newsletters;

  • Written materials offered to the public clearly reflect non-discrimination policies and practices and reflects a 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming environment. This would include information provided to the public during tours of the home

  • Programs with an 2SLGBTQIA+ focus or interest are advertised or promoted through the resident newsletter, posted in the home and/or announced as a special program; and

  • Promotional material prepared by the home, i.e., fact sheet and informational material for other health and social services professionals reflects the homes initiative to provide a 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming environment.

Hear: the language heard within the home reflects inclusion:

  • Written forms and assessments do not assume heterosexuality as the norm, i.e., the use of partner instead of husband/wife and have multiple options for pronouns;

  • There is a broad definition of family and partner to include “family of choice;”

  • Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and comfortable in the use of inclusive language and it is reflected in their language in day-to-day discussions

Feel: the environment gives a sense of being safe and affirming:

  • 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and their families and friends identity is acknowledged, affirmed and respected;

  • There is recognition of residents/family rights and reminders that the home is a safe place. An example of this would include the care and attention taken by the home in selecting roommates or in the sharing of the facilities’ common spaces. This holds particularly important and affirming for older 2SLGBTQIA+ adults receiving care and services;

  • There are accessible and supportive processes available in the home that allows residents, family, volunteers and staff to raise issues and concerns, feel that they are heard and that issues will be followed-up on and mechanisms to ensure two-way communication. 

While physical safety is an important aspect in ensuring that the environment is 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming, it is equally important to consider the aspect of privacy, and understand the special importance it can mean to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.