Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a term used to describe policies and programs that promote the representation and participation of different groups of individuals, including people of different ages, races/ethnicities, abilities/disabilities, genders, religions, cultures, and sexual orientations. And according to LaShuan Bethea, Executive Director of the National Center for Assisted Living, she states that integrating DEI initiatives into long-term care company culture is a journey that still has a long way to go and made these observations about each aspect of DEI:
Diversity
Organizationally, leadership needs to take a closer look at committees and workgroups that set policies and procedures–do these decision-makers reflect the diversity of the workforce and overall community? Voices from a diverse candidate pool should impact and develop such decisions.
Equity
In order to offer everyone fair access to the same opportunities, organizations should incorporate individual goals rather than focus solely on broader company goals. This will create an environment that positions members to exhibit and nourish their strengths.
Inclusion
To create a community environment where individuals are treated fairly, impartially, and respectfully, equal access to opportunities and resources must be made available to all. Members and employees are not just presented a seat at the table, but are able to actively contribute while at the table.
Find Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Springpoint Choice
At Springpoint Choice and all Springpoint Life Plan Communities, we believe that every senior should be treated with care and consideration, no matter their differences. The Springpoint Choice team remains committed to these initiatives and is proud to be among the first Continuing Care at Home Programs to Earn the Platinum SAGECare LGBT Aging Cultural Competency Credential.
SAGECare is a division of SAGE, the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults. As part of the SAGECare training, the Springpoint Choice team heard from LGBT older adults of color, older adults from rural areas, individuals above and below the poverty line, and individuals who came out young or much later in life. The team received an overview of federal protections and learned how to respond to bias behavior while incorporating new, inclusive vocabulary.
