United Church Homes Recertified in Cultural Competency Training for LGBT Older Adult Community Providers

United Church Homes (UCH) communities have been recertified in SAGECare cultural competency training for those working with the LGBT community. The program is offered through SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization that’s been looking out for LGBT older adults since 1978.

“Many LGBT older adults may be uncomfortable or fearful being open about their identity or relationships,” says Tim R. Johnston, director of national projects at SAGE. “SAGECare training is a way to communicate that your community is invested in their well-being.”

A majority of UCH’s 1,500 staff members voluntarily participated in the training program for residential healthcare providers and others who work with and advocate for older adults. UCH and its senior living communities have been recertified annually since first earning platinum certification in 2017. Several UCH affordable housing communities also have been credentialed.

2020 Community Certifications

SAGECare PLATINUM (Eighty percent or more of employees, executives and administrators completed one hour of LGBT aging training)

• Glenwood Community (Marietta, Ohio)
• United Church Homes Central Office (Marion, Ohio)

SAGECare GOLD (Sixty percent or more of employees, executives and administrators completed one hour of LGBT aging training)

• Fairhaven Community (Upper Sandusky, Ohio)
• Four Winds Community (Jackson, Ohio)
• Harmar Place (Marietta, Ohio)

SAGECare SILVER (Forty percent or more of employees, executives and administrators completed one hour of LGBT aging training)

• Chapel Hill Community (Canal Fulton, Ohio)
• Parkvue Community (Sandusky, Ohio)
• Pilgrim Manor (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
• Trinity Community at Beavercreek (Beavercreek, Ohio)
• Trinity Community at Fairborn (Fairborn, Ohio)