Every Month is Pride Month at Broadview.

June marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time when LGBTQ+ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to live openly and authentically. As a SAGE Certified LGBTQ+ friendly retirement and independent living community in New York, we are proud to support LGBTQ+ adults this month, and every month.

LGBTQ+ Adults Are Resilient – Yet They Still Face Unique Challenges

Conservative estimates suggest that there are over 2.4 million LGBTQ+ adults aged 65 and older living in the United States – a number that is expected to more than double by 2030 as the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age. And while the US has made enormous strides toward equality over the past few generations, LGBTQ+ adults still face unique challenges when it comes to planning for retirement. On top of fears of discrimination, LGBTQ+ adults confront additional barriers to independence as they are twice as likely to live alone and four times as likely to be childless.

Often unable to rely on children, spouses, or relatives for care, there is a tremendous need for inclusive independent living communities that are equipped to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ adults as they age. Yet, the reality is that many long-term care facilities and independent living communities remain discriminatory and lack the resources needed to create a safe and positive environment for LGBTQ+ residents. In fact, studies indicate that 30% of LGBTQ+ older adults fear that moving to a care facility will require them to disguise their identity or separate from their partner, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ adults who “entered a senior living or long-term care facility reported experiencing mistreatment based on their real or perceived sexual orientation.”

That‚Äôs why we are proud to be one of only ten groups in New York to receive a Platinum Credential from SAGECare, one of the country’s “oldest and largest nonprofit organizations dedicating to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ seniors”. The Platinum Credential is the highest-level credential that can be achieved.

Creating An Inclusive Community Begins With Education

A recent survey published by AARP reveals that 88% of LGBTQ+ adults would feel more comfortable with long-term care services if they knew staff had been specifically trained to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ residents and patients.

At Broadview as we prepare for opening, more than 80% of staff members, ranging from sales representatives to administrative employees, have completed training provided by SAGECare, a percentage that led to Broadview receiving the Platinum Credential. As we approach opening, we will continually provide SAGECare training to our growing staff to ensure all of our employees receive this critical service and we create a safe, inclusive environment for all future residents. We take pride in our ongoing work to ensure that we provide an inclusive, positive experience for the LGBTQ+ community who will soon call Broadview home.

“This certification from SAGECare is a testament to Broadview’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming living environment for all future residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Broadview Executive Director Ashley Wade said of the accreditation. “We are committed to ensuring that the staff at Broadview receive extensive, ongoing training so we can continue to care for our LGBTQ+ charter members in the most respectful and thoughtful manner possible.”

We are Proud to Share A Campus With A College That Champions LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Just as Broadview is committed to cultivating a safe and positive environment for our LGBTQ+ residents, Purchase College is committed to doing the same for its students. The Purchase College’s official nondiscrimination policy protects all campus community members‚Äô right to “equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to service, programs, and activities‚” and prohibits discriminatory behavior towards anyone based on “sex, gender identity, sexual orientation.”

Purchase College has a long history of being among the most LGBTQ+ friendly schools in the country. In addition to a wide range of academic and cultural events and programs throughout the year, the college includes gender neutral housing, an LGBTQ+ alumni group, clubs, and resources for LGBTQ+ students.

One of those groups is the Purchase College LGBTQU Student Club, which works to provide a safe space for the LBGTQ+ student community to express themselves openly and honestly. The group holds regular meetings that allow for students to speak about their life experiences, and they host workshops and lectures that focus on the education and support of students within the LGBTQ community.

Learn More About What Makes Broadview An Inclusive Community

This month and every month, Broadview is proud of your pride. We are committed to fostering a safe and accepting environment where no one feels like they have to hide who they are or who they love. If you are looking to join a community where you can continue to engage your education, connect with like-minded retirees, and find a strong sense of belonging, reach out to a member of the Broadview team today.