NursePartners, Inc. is proud to be the only home care company in Philadelphia that is SAGETM certified for LGBT Seniors. As an Independence Business Alliance (“IBA”) member and sponsor for many years, we know that aging LGBT seniors face a unique set of challenges when it is time to receive personal care. If they move into an assisted living community or nursing home, they may have to hide their identities or not participate in favorite activities. This forced change is not only difficult, but it is one that should never happen.
We sought to make a difference by training 25% of our employees to better understand how to connect and care for the aging LGBT community. The training taught employees the intergenerational and racial nuances that apply to LGBT older adults. We learned how respond to bias behavior, incorporated new vocabulary, and received an overview of federal protections.
Previously these same employees completed the GEMTM training, a 7.5-hour training module that refines approaches for working with clients living with dementia. This training involves role playing with a dementia coach and working through challenging behaviors. Many of the techniques in Teepa Snow’s Positive Physical Approach to CareTM can also be applied to clients not living with a diagnosis of dementia. This is because we focus just as much on our approach as the quality of care delivered.
We are prepared to service older LGBT adults in the Philadelphia region. The following are some of the tasks our carepartners can complete:
- Bathing, Grooming, and Hygiene
- Mobility Assistance
- Transferring and Positioning
- Feeding and Diet monitoring
- Toileting and Incontinence Care
- Meal Preparation
- Laundry
- Light Housekeeping
- Grocery Shopping/Errands
- Grocery Delivery Coordination
- Transportation in private vehicles or public transportation
- Medication Reminders
All clients receive a care of plan uniquely made for them. These plans are developed by a registered nurse and adjusted accordingly as conditions change.
NursePartners values the relationship with the client as much as with their family. We know that the journey may be challenging and we are here to offer support.