PROVIDENCE – HopeHealth, a provider of hospice, home care and palliative care in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, has been recognized by a national LGBT advocacy and services organization.
HopeHealth has achieved platinum status in SAGECare training, a program developed by SAGE, a New York City-based group that focuses on the well-being and care of LGBT seniors.
More than 80% of HopeHealth’s staff completed at least one hour of SAGECare training, while at least 80% of the organization’s leadership completed four hours.
The training, finished last year, focused on the needs and concerns of older LGBT adults, and how to improve care provided to them.
“We have always prioritized person-centered support and care,” said HopeHealth CEO and President Diana Franchitto. “Now, by partnering with SAGECare, we are demonstrating our strong commitment to providing the best care possible while making each patient feel comfortable being who they are.”
Platinum status in SAGECare training is set at 80% because of the significance of the number, according to the organization.
“An estimated 80% of the general population rely on legal or blood-related family members for caregiving. But LGBT people are twice as likely to live alone and four times less likely to have children, which can increase their risk of social isolation as they age,” according to a HopeHealth news release. “Loneliness and isolation have been shown to be associated with poor physical and mental health.”
Elizabeth Graham is a PBN contributing writer.
