News - June 18, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2020

Contact: Lindsay Hutter | 703.824.1109 | lhutter@goodwinliving.org

SAGECare Names Goodwin House Incorporated a Gold Level Provider for 2020

Goodwin House becomes first senior living provider in Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria to Earn SAGE Certification

Alexandria, VA – Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) has named Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) a 2020 Gold Level Provider for its participation in SAGECare. SAGECare is a training program for those who work with and advocate for older adults, providing them with an understanding of LGBT issues and the skills to work with LGBT older adults. GHI is the first senior living provider organization in Fairfax, Arlington or Alexandria and the third senior living provider in the state of Virginia to hold this certification.

“The SAGECare training fits directly with our mission and values, as well as our vision statement – to expand the places and ways we serve older adults,” said Goodwin House Chief People Office Fran Casey. “We wanted to be more intentional and proactive in our efforts to be inclusive, and the SAGECare program provided the training and education to build our knowledge and abilities so that we can better serve older adults in the LBGT community.”

In 2018, Goodwin House began training staff members to care for LGBT older adults. This commitment is reflective of the Goodwin House mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. It also aligns with a desire to create and sustain strong and caring communities where those who live, work and visit will find places of welcome and belonging.

In order to qualify for certification, organizations must require that executives and administrators complete four hours of training and all other staff members complete one hour of training. Gold Level Providers ensure that at least 60% of their employees are trained each year.

“To build on the SAGECare training we are now pursuing opportunities to engage staff, residents and members of our Goodwin House at Home program to ensure that LGBT issues are part of our ongoing work in diversity and inclusion,” said Casey.

SAGE estimates that there will be seven million LGBT adults over the age of 50 in the United States by 2030. Approximately two-thirds of LGBT older adults have experienced victimization at least three times in their lives. LGBT older adults are also less likely to take advantage of providers and services that could help them because they fear discrimination and harassment.

“We always seek to grow and learn and do all we can to provide the best care and services to older adults as well as our staff," said Casey. "Education and training are part of our continuous journey to better serve older adults.”

SAGECare training is now part of the Goodwin House new employee orientation, and current staff members undertake online training courses. By 2021, Goodwin House hopes to attain SAGECare Platinum status with at least 80% of employees undergoing SAGECare training.

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About Goodwin House Incorporated: Celebrating more than 50 years of providing exceptional service to older adults, Goodwin House Incorporated (GHI) is a not-for-profit, Virginia-based corporation affiliated with the Episcopal Church. The growing family of GHI senior living and healthcare services owned and operated across Northern Virginia includes: two Life Plan Communities—Goodwin House Alexandria and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads; an innovative continuing care at home program—Goodwin House at Home; and a portfolio of healthcare services and partnerships delivering Palliative Care, Home Health, Primary Care and Hospice. GHI also is the management agent for The Lewinsville Retirement Residences, Inc. serving low-income older adults in McLean and Great Falls, Virginia. GHI advances its mission through the Goodwin House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting foundation that provides financial support to current and future residents in need and to fund programs dedicated to promoting growth and education of staff as well as overall well-being and vibrant living as we age.

SAGE is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBT elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBT community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, and cultural competency training through SAGECare. With staff located across the country, SAGE also coordinates SAGENet, a growing network of affiliates in the United States. Learn more at sageusa.org.