Aged care journey to achieve ‘Rainbow Tick’

Helen Povall, experienced aged care manager and clinician, has been appointed as Lifeview's manager of Project Pride, to guide the organisation through the accrediation process. 

A major element in achieving 'the tick' will be specialist education and training programs undertaken by all Lifeview staff.

The Rainbow Tick is an accreditation program developed by Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria in partnership with Quality Improvement and Community Services Accreditation.

The Rainbow Tick guides organisations through a cycle of self assessment and review by external assessors to determine the extend to which the organisation meets the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex consumers.

“Research demonstrates that LGBTI people have poorer health outcomes than the general population because of the discrimination they experience. The actual or perceived discrimination from services also means LGBTI people are more likely to avoid or delay seeking care,” Ms Povall says.

“Consequently, many LGBTI consumers want to know that they can access services where their sexual orientation or gender identity will be valued and where service providers understand their needs,” she says.

Lifeview's aim is to establish services that will ensure a consumer directed approach to meeting the often needs of older LGBTI people, resulting in appropriate and targeted services, making it a “whole of business approach”.

According to Lifeview chief executive, Madeline Gall, gaining the Rainbow Tick is something the organisation is committed to.

“We firmly believe our homes should be inclusive for all and that everyone is able to age with grace, dignity, choice and without fear of discrimination,” Ms Gall says.

“Lifeview has been successful in terms of the quality of life we offer and, once achieved, this accreditation will assist us to better care for elders from all walks of life. It's all about reducing barriers,” she says.