36 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2019 DIVERSITY A better home for LGBTQ+ residents W hile much has been done to help residents of different backgrounds feel comfortable in long-term care homes, there remains room to grow when it comes to creating safe and welcoming experiences for those in the LGBTQ+ community. The Village of Winston Park is one of many environments that is taking this journey to heart. In recent years, the Kitchener-based home has formalized its efforts to make good on its owner Schlegel Village’s commitment to honouring diversity in long-term care – specifically as it applies to residents’ sexuality/gender identity. Their efforts began by partnering with an LGBTQ+ organization called Spectrum to conduct an education session with the home’s advisory team. While hopes were high initially, Winston Park General Manager Brad Lawrence says it was clear they had work to do. “We were sure within months that we would be putting the rainbow flags on our doors. Then we learned that many LGBTQ+ residents still feared experiencing prejudice in long-term care and were going back into the closet. That made us put on the brakes and really take the time to do this right.” What followed was a series of events with Spectrum and an organization called Community Justice Initiatives, including a themed trivia night focusing on the LGBTQ+ community, a trip to Kitchener’s Pride festival, and The Original Dry Vapour Company • Since 1979 The Original Dry Vapour Company • Since 1979 ELIMINATE ODOURS ELIMINATE ODOURS Naturally vaportek.ca 905.632.0921 simple•natural•economical•choices 1 0 0 % GUARANTE E ★ ★ ★★★★★★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 100% GUARANT E E SATISFACTION