AgeWell Pittsburgh Credentialed for Its Care of LGBTQ+ Older Adults

by Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle

AgeWell was recently awarded the SAGECare credential for demonstrating competency in caring for LGBTQ+ older adults. Sharon Feinman, division director of AgeWell at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, said AgeWell is among a “handful of organizations to complete the platinum level credential for SAGECare LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Training.” Laura Cherner, director of the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, notes that the training allowed AgeWell staff to understand the “unique needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ older adults and guide them in providing the best possible person-directed care.” The training covered subjects that included concerns among LGBTQ+ older adults, health disparities, issues about identity, establishing inclusive settings for transgender individuals, incorporating LGBTQ+ person-directed care, legal safeguards, and best practices. The credentialing involved 80 percent of AgeWell employees completing one hour of LGBTQ+ aging training and 80 percent of executives and administrators completing four hours of training. Jewish Federation Marketing Director Adam Hertzman said the federation approved a $2,154 grant to pay for training and credentialing, and “provided some coordination and facilitation as well.”

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