Silver Rainbow training for HBH Senior Living

By HBH - 6 March 2017

Silver Rainbow training for HBH Senior Living

On Wednesday 1st March, 20 staff from HBH Senior living, including the CEO, manager, nurses, and caregivers participated in an afternoons training  on cultural diversity and safety for the Rainbow Community (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender people).  The training is part of a programme called Silver Rainbow, which aims to help care facilities become more aware of people’s needs from the LGBT community.

Like everyone else, LGBT people are ageing and some will require residential care. The Silver Rainbow training helps staff and facilities to understand how to make sure that their facilities is welcoming.

“Because of past discrimination many LGBT people are fearful of the health system in general and of going into care,” says Bonnie Robinson, CEO of HBH Senior Living. “We want to make sure that anyone who needs care can feel comfortable here, be themselves, and know that we will treat them with respect and dignity.”

The training was very helpful for staff in overcoming any anxiety, and helped them think through some of the issues that might arise, such as dealing with negative attitudes from others and protecting each individual’s rights.

Silver Rainbow will further support HBH Senior Living to look at our documentation and information and make sure it is appropriate and user friendly for the Rainbow community.

Lisa Waldren
lisa@inspirationpoint.co.nz