Lifeview reaches the rainbow

Lifeview is the third provider of aged services and only the ninth company in Australia to achieve the tick.

Rainbow Tick Accreditation provides assurance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) consumers and staff that an organisation will be responsive to their needs.

The program was developed by Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria in partnership with Quality Improvement and Community Services Accreditation.

Lifeview has been preparing for the Rainbow Tick for the past 12 months, with the organisation reviewing all their policies and processes to ensure they are inclusive, and working with residents and staff to create an inclusive environment.

All Lifeview staff and volunteers attended specialist education and awareness programs, led by expert organisations Transgender Victoria and Val’s Café.

Information sessions were held for residents to ensure they understood what the provider was working towards.

“This is a fantastic achievement for all at Lifeview,” says Lifeview chief executive officer Madeline Gall.

“Staff, residents and volunteers were passionate and committed to achieving this goal, it has been a true team effort, across all levels of the organisation.

“The Rainbow Tick endorses the fact our homes are inclusive for residents, staff, volunteers and their chosen families.

“This accreditation will assist us to better care for elders from all walks of life – it’s all about reducing barriers.” Ms Gall adds.

Lifeview Director Peter Reilly says, “This achievement is a huge step forward in Lifeview’s vision to ensure inclusive services for all and another stepping stone in our journey towards the development of Lifeview Marigold”.

“LGBTI consumers now know they can access services where their sexual orientation or gender identity is valued and that Lifeview understands their needs.

“We are committed to ensuring older Australians are able to age with grace, dignity, choice and without fear of prejudice”, Mr Reilly adds.

Lifeview has plans to create a new aged care living and retirement home specifically marketed to LGBTI people in Prahran. Lifeview Marigold is scheduled to commence construction in 2017.

Showing their support around 60 Lifeview residents and staff participated in the Pride March last weekend, in celebration of the LGBTI community, with a couple of residents walking the whole way and being cheered on and high fived along the way.