The Providence Demonstrates Commitment to LGBTQ+ Seniors

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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 a more 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 SAGECare 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.

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