Residences at Vantage Point Recognized for Support of LGBT Adults

Residences at Vantage Point in Downtown Columbia has received recognition for the quality of services and support offered to the LGBT community from SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders), the oldest and largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults.

SAGE, in partnership with other organizations and with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, developed a training curriculum to educate individuals in aging services organizations and improve conditions for LGBT older adults.

All staff at Vantage Point participated in the training program from SAGE and was awarded the SageCARE Silver certification at its conclusion. “Vantage Point has incorporated the SageCARE training into our orientation for new employees to continue embracing this initiative into our community,” said Paul Dutton, Director of Human Resources.

The purpose of the training was to provide opportunity for the senior living community to better serve LGBT older adults in the community. As a prelude to the training, SAGE noted that its purpose is to ensure an outcome in which “residents and their families are treated fairly, with warmth and compassion and welcomed for who they are, without the need to hide themselves or go back in the closet.”

SAGE reports that there are currently 3 million LGBT seniors in the United States, a number that is expected to rise to 7 million in the next decade.

Elements of the training include practical tips on sensitivity to friends and relatives of LGBT residents, as well as staff members. “Residences at Vantage Point is very proud and excited to have this opportunity to receive SageCARE training. We are one of only a few senior living communities in the area to receive such certification and are proud to state we are the first Life Care Services, LLC community to receive SageCARE certification,” expressed Meriann Ritacco, Executive Director.

Residences at Vantage Point was founded in 1990 and is a nonprofit serving people age 60 and above. Managed by Life Care Services, the community includes a variety of residential living arrangements and provides long-term health services exclusively for residents should they need them.

Residences at Vantage Point is noted for its arts, cultural and educational activities, as well as for resident engagement with the larger community of Columbia. It is located at 5400 Vantage Point Road.