The Providence Achieves the Highest Credential to Advocate for Seniors in the LGBTQ+ Community
Assisted living community first in Fairfax County, second in Virginia to earn Platinum status.
Fairfax, VA (September 23, 2021) —The Providence, a new assisted living and memory care community owned by Silverstone Senior Living and operated by Watermark Retirement Communities, is proud to announce it is now Platinum SAGECare credentialed by SAGE (Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders).
“We are so proud to be the first senior living community in Fairfax County to receive this designation and confidently offer the LGBTQ+ community a welcoming and supportive living environment,” said Annamarie Mariani-Huehn, executive director for The Providence. “I am extremely proud of all of our associates at The Providence for their participation and enthusiasm to make The Providence amore diverse and inclusive community.”
SAGE is a national organization committed to a higher quality of life for LGBTQ+ seniors by fostering a greater understanding of the unique needs and perspectives of LGBTQ+ people in senior living communities across the country. SAGE is the oldest and largest non-profit organization that draws focus on the issues surrounding LGBTQ+ aging while providing the necessary resources to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ seniors.
While the lack of a national probability study makes it impossible to know the size of the LGBTQ+ older adult population with precision, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be approximately 7 million LGBTQ people in the U.S. who are 50 and older. An estimated 20% of LGBTQ+ seniors avoid medical care out of fear of discrimination and 88% of LGBTQ+ seniors want long-term care facilities that address their needs in a competent and caring manner.
“We are thrilled at The Providence and Watermark’s ongoing commitment to embracing a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and commend them for having 100% of their associates trained,” says Dr. Tim Johnston, senior educator advisor at SAGE.
According to SAGE, caring for LGBTQ+seniors bring unique challenges, from healthcare laws that favor biological families to a lack of resources for LGBTQ+ related needs. LGBTQ+ seniors are twice as likely to age alone and four times less likely to have children, according to SAGE. Most often, the role of primary caregiver falls to a friend or partner. Fifty-four percent of LGBTQ+seniors receive care from their partners, and 24% receive care from a friend.
“Achieving the Platinum SAGE Care credential tangibly demonstrates our community’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. We welcome residents from all walks of life and we are dedicated to providing the best senior care in the region,” Ms. Mariani-Huehn added.
ABOUT SAGE
SAGE is the world’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.
ABOUT WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES®
Watermark creates extraordinary communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute and published on Fortune.com. A privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, Watermark manages more than 60 retirement communities coast to coast. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is ranked as the nation’s 11th-leading senior housing operator by the American Seniors Housing Association.
Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.
ABOUT SILVERSTONE SENIOR LIVING
Silverstone Senior Living develops high-quality senior housing communities, which provide independent living, assisted living and memory care services in Texas, Florida and the Mid-Atlantic states. The principals of Silverstone have extensive experience and an excellent record of accomplishment in the real estate industry. This experience includes designing, developing, managing, operating and owning premier properties throughout the nation and across all the major asset platforms for both public and private companies. Silverstone is committed to developing and operating “best in class” communities that are as comfortable as home, luxurious as a country club, and provide the highest level of care.
www.silverstoneseniorliving.com
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