More than 2,200 healthcare facilities were recently evaluated as part of the 2022 Healthcare Equality Index, gathering powerful information that will help LGBTQ+ patients to find affirming medical care in their communities.
Now, efforts are underway to start evaluating long-term care communities in a similar fashion. The Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI) is the first national benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion in senior housing and long-term care communities.
The LEI promotes equitable and inclusive care for LGBTQ older people in residential long-term care communities. When it is published in 2023, it will be a useful tool for LGBTQ community members who are making decisions about their care and who want to find long-term care communities that have LGBTQ welcoming policies, practices, and environments.
The LEI will also support facilities in taking the necessary steps to adopt policies and best practices that provide culturally competent and responsive care to LGBTQ older adults. Participating communities will gain access to trainings on serving LGBTQ older adults, technical assistance with meeting regulatory requirements related to serving LGBTQ residents, and best practices for LGBTQ diversity, equity and inclusion.
How to Participate
Completing a “Commitment to Caring” Pledge is the first step for a community to participate in the LEI. Leadership at eligible residential long-term care facilities and senior housing providers are invited to sign the pledge as an indication of their intention to adopt the LGBTQ inclusive policies and practices necessary to provide culturally competent and responsive care to LGBTQ older adults.
After signing the pledge, communities will receive a confidential self-assessment, access to the LEI survey criteria resource guide, and access to the LEI survey to be released in August 2022.
Communities eligible to participate in the LEI include:
- Skilled Nursing Communities
- Memory Care Communities
- Assisted Living Communities
- Independent Living Communities
- Life Plan or Continuing Care Retirement Communities
- Affordable Senior Housing Communities
- Free-Standing Hospice Communities
For more information, visit https://thelei.org/