Throughout their lives, many 2SLGBTQI+ older adults in Canada have faced systemic discrimination and oppression based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. This has been particularly prevalent within the health care system, which has resulted in a breakdown of trust in mainstream health care providers. In recognition of these unique contexts, it is important that care homes take time and respectful consideration when taking steps towards inclusion. The resources below aim to recognize that there is no one “right way” to support 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in care homes; each organization will be at a different stage along the journey and will have its own unique circumstances. We offer a collection of promising practices and encourage readers to explore the links and resources available.
The Ontario CLRI’s Supporting Diversity & Inclusion in Long-Term Care Advisory Group has created and compiled the below resources for Ontario’s long-term care homes.
We are grateful to the individuals with lived experience who have been part of the development and collection of these resources. Their insights, wisdom and vulnerability has been invaluable.
A Home For All: LGBTQI2S+ Resources for Long-Term Care Homes
This resource features promising practices to help move long-term care homes towards becoming safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQI2S+ community.
Embracing Diversity: A Toolkit for Supporting Inclusion in Long-Term Care Homes
This toolkit was developed to support equitable and respectful care within Ontario’s LTC sector. It represents our shared responsibility and commitment to welcoming and affirming communities for all members of the diverse populations who live, work and visit LTC homes.
‘What Would You Do?’ Poster Series
The “What Would You Do?” (WWYD) posters are conversation starters. They were created to be an educational resource for LTC homes on the journey to becoming more welcoming and inclusive spaces. The posters can complement cultural competency and sensitivity training that are already in place. Many of the posters depict micro-aggressions and encourage participants to engage in personal reflection.
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge:
A resource supporting end-of-life planning and care needs of LGBTQI2S older adults in Ontario (Egale)
Creating Authentic Spaces:
A gender identity and gender expression toolkit to support the implementation of institutional and social change (519)
2SLGBTQI+ Tool Kit:
A revitalized toolkit on supporting 2SLGBTQI+ seniors – Leading & Learning with Pride.
Supporting the Rainbow Community: A Home for All
This webinar focuses on strategies to support the LGBTQI2S+ community living in long-term care, through the exploration of one dynamic individual’s experience as a gay man working as a long-term care home administrator, and the journey he undertook towards supporting his team in creating a more welcoming, inclusive care home. We will explore some of the lessons learned, and provide participants with a wealth of resources to explore this topic further.
Supporting the Rainbow Community: Real Stories
This webinar recording is experiencing some technical difficulties and has been temporarily removed.
This webinar uses real questions and situations submitted by registrants to teach how to support the LGBTQI2S+ community in long-term care homes. You will learn strategies to build culturally-competent staff and volunteer teams, gain a deeper understanding of how to create a culture in your LTC home that feels welcoming and safe to LGBTQ residents. You will also explore opportunities to communicate effectively to residents, families, and the public that you are an LGBTQI2S-friendly and inclusive home.
News on our Work
Stopping the Silence — Rick Gourlie’s Mission to Create Inclusive LTC Homes
Pride Month Resources for LTC Homes
This work stems from the Ontario CLRI’s Supporting Diversity & Inclusion in Long-Term Care Advisory Group