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LGBT Patient Enriching the lives of LGBT older

Outreach adults by creating a safe, welcoming
home health care environment

An estimated 122,400 older New Yorkers identify In addition to this cultural sensitivity training, in early
themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. April of 2018, VNSNY expanded its Senior LGBT Outreach.
At VNSNY, we understand that many LGBT older adults Funded by a New York Community Trust grant, the
have experienced discrimination, social stigma, and program is committed to supporting the health of
prejudice. To that end, we are committed to treating LGBT seniors in the New York City area.
every patient with empathy, courtesy, and respect. All
VNSNY nurses, rehabilitation therapists, social workers, This initiative will facilitate VNSNY’s collaborations with
and home health aides, along with administrative and the growing number of community- based organizations
senior staff, have received training on working with LGBT that serve New York’s elderly LGBT population. The
communities from the LGBT senior advocacy organization program will also help educate organizations, providers,
SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), ensuring and patients about VNSNY’s LGBT-related initiatives,
that all of our staff are aware of and sensitive to the needs including our gender affirmation surgery program,
and concerns of LGBT older adults. VNSNY is the largest which has provided post-surgical care for 160 patients
home- and community-based healthcare since its launch in 2016, and other efforts to help
organization in the New York City metropolitan eliminate barriers to care.
area with the SAGECare Platinum level
LGBT cultural competency credential.

VNSNY’s new senior LGBT Outreach provides the most vulnerable seniors in New York City’s LGBT community
with greater access to VNSNY home-and community-based services, raises awareness of VNSNY as a safe
and trusted ally of the LGBT community, and increases outreach to self-identified and closeted LGBT seniors.
We are grateful to The New York Community Trust for providing funding for this LGBT Outreach initiative.

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