Resident and Family Support Council Meeting

Topic: LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Aging Services & Resources for Long-term Care

Description: With June being Pride Month, we wanted to highlight some work that is being done around the State to bring greater awareness of LGBTQ+ needs. LGBTQ+ older adults live in every community and have unique needs. Thrive with Pride by The Area Agency on Aging, AgeOptions offers one replicable program model that responds to social isolation and traditionally limited engagement in aging services experienced by LGBTQ+ older adults and those who care for them in suburban Cook County IL, by creating inclusive, educational, and social programming. This strategy includes ongoing virtual presentations hosted by AgeOptions, funding local community-based partners to provide ongoing social opportunities, as well as special intergenerational events. We will share our history, successes and lessons learned in our efforts to reach this population and make aging services more inclusive and affirming. We will also hear from one Regional Ombudsman Program on what they are doing to address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in LTC communities in the Springfield area.