Rainbow Tick Awarded for Tuohy Aged Care Home

Proud: GLBTI Rights in Ageing deputy Chair Jacqui Tibbits, Tuohy's Director Care Services Jayne Cummings, Hall & Prior's Executive Director of Residential Care - Regional Leader Deborah Sinclair-Lane and Leading Aged Services Australia's WA State Manager Christine Allen.

Hall & Prior are proud to announce that Tuohy Aged Care Home has been successfully accredited for the Rainbow Tick Standards.

The nationally recognised Standards are approved for organisations that are committed to safe and inclusive service delivery for lesbian, gay, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.

Across Australia, more than 11 per cent of people identify as LGBTI, and there is concern across the aged care industry about ensuring our elders receive appropriate care that suits their individual needs.

Many LGBTI people have faced discrimination and abuse for their entire life, so creating spaces where they know they will be welcomed and respected is of vital importance.

Led by Tuohy’s Director of Care Services Jayne Cumming, Clinical Nurse Manager Mina Pindolia and Administration Officer Fiona Clarkson, the 49bed home is located in the suburb of Midland, in Perth’s east.

Jayne and the staff at Tuohy have worked closely with Perth-based group GLBTI Rights in Ageing (GRAI) since 2014 to educate staff and ensure residents’ needs are met with inclusive and appropriate actions.

This program was also recognised with a 2015 Commonwealth Better Practice Award from the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency for their work to create an inclusive culture within the home.

These awards acknowledge the most innovative programs and initiatives in the industry, and encourage aged care providers to share knowledge and ideas.

Now that Tuohy has its Rainbow Tick accreditation, the next step will be bringing the program to our other facilities. To begin with, from January 2019, Hall & Prior’s Core Training program, delivered annually to every member of staff in Western Australia, will include a specific section focusing on caring for LBGTI elders.