A long-term care home operator unveiled a “Rainbow Wing” on Saturday at one of its downtown Toronto facilities to address the need for a dedicated space for LGBTQ2 seniors.
Rekai Centers opened the 25-bed wing at his home in Wellesley Central Place. Neighbors, staff and community members gathered to celebrate the inauguration.
Barbara Michalik, executive director of community and academic associations at Rekai Centers, said she believes the space is North America’s first dedicated to the LGBTQ2 community of seniors, meaning “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender , queer and biased “. . “
“We have relatives who may not feel comfortable coming to a long-term care home because of their gender or life preferences, and it’s very important that we encourage them and encourage our staff who are from the community. Michalik told CBC. News Saturday.
“We can’t knock on a door. We can’t do an education during the month of June out of pride. It’s continuous. It’s a sense of culture when you walk into this house. [and] security. It’s really a constant reinforcement of the reception. “
A new ‘Rainbow Wing’ was unveiled on Saturday at the Rekai Center in Wellesley Central Place. (Submitted by The Rekai Centers)
Rekai Centers, described as a non-profit charity, opened more than 70 years ago and now operates two long-term care homes in downtown Toronto: the Rekai Center in Sherbourne Place, which houses 88 residents, and the Rekai. Center in Wellesley Central Place, home to 150 residents.
The Wellesley facility currently has 15 members who identify as part of the LGBTQ2 community, with more than 20% of residents identifying as LGBTQ2 in the center’s two long-term care homes.
“Older people often looked up” during pride celebrations
Barry Van Buskirk, a resident of the Rekai Center in Sherbourne Place, said he was delighted to be there not only for the opening of the wing, but also to be able to participate in Pride.
“I think it’s very exciting. It’s very comforting and very loving,” Van Buskirk said.
“Older people are often looked at because they are considered too old to participate. I have participated in many Pride parades because I love people. [and] I want to spread that love. “
Barbara Michalik, executive director of community and academic associations at Rekai Centers, said she believes the space is the first dedicated to the LGBTQ2 community of seniors in North America. (Talia Ricc / CBC)
In addition to Wellesley Central Place, another Rainbow Wing will open in a new long-term care home on Cherry Place on Cherry and Front Streets, which will open in 2025.
Sue Graham-Nutter, general manager of Rekai Centers, said the new wing takes a long time to make.
“The launch of the Rainbow Wing is the result of more than a decade of working with the 2SLGBTQI + community,” Graham-Nutter said.
“What makes us most proud and excited are the hugs and tears that flow from our residents, and from families who simply say ‘I belong and am accepted here. Thank you.’ Everyone needs a home where they are safe and loved.”
“They shouldn’t have to go back to the closet”
Sherwin Modeste, CEO of Pride Toronto, said he hopes to see more of such spaces in the future.
“Older people are part of society, they have contributed, they have paid taxes and they should be able to enjoy their lives,” said Modeste. “They shouldn’t have to go back to the closet at retirement age.”
Toronto Mayor John Tory attended the ceremony to celebrate the opening of the wing. She said the wing will allow people to be themselves.
“We benefit that people can be real,” Tory said.
Barry Van Buskirk gets up with a rainbow poncho, outside the Rekai Center in Wellesley Central Place, to celebrate the opening of the new ‘Rainbow Wing’ and Pride. (CBC)
Staff to provide “culturally competent” care.
In 2018, the Rekai Centers commissioned a market research firm to solicit input from the community through surveys and focus groups. The research collected by the firm was a key factor in opening the dedicated wing.
A survey of people 50 years of age or older who identified as LGBTQ2 was conducted that year. The survey found that 94% of respondents indicated that they were in favor of opening the space.
According to the nonprofit, projections show that there are more than 65,000 people in Toronto who identify as part of the LGBTQ2 community over the age of 65. That number is expected to grow as the population ages, he notes.
Focus groups stressed the need for culturally sensitive staff who are allies or members of the community. They also stressed the need to review the admissions process to break down the systematic barriers that persist in health care.
Rekai Centers says the new wing will feature “culturally competent” staff to provide care to residents, programming that meets the needs of residents, and a gender sexuality alliance that will provide a platform for residents, families, staff and community members.
Dozens of residents, staff and community members attended the presentation, including the Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, and Marci Ien, a member of the Toronto Center and the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth of Canada. (Talia Ricci / CBC)
Michalik said staff must be well-trained to ensure residents feel safe at home.
“There is a sense of culture that community residents need and feel, especially when they have dementia. There is an additional level of education that our staff needs,” he said.