Queensland’s first LGBTIQ+ inclusive aged care residence has received a Rainbow Tick Accreditation.
Arcare Parkwood aged care undertook its first Rainbow Tick assessment and passed with flying colours, management said today.
“We’re extremely proud to receive a successful Rainbow Tick Accreditation for Arcare Parkwood – the first LGBTIQ+ inclusive residence in Queensland,” Arcare CEO, Colin Singh said.
“We look forward to creating a community that continues to celebrate diversity and inclusivity.”
Established in 2019, Arcare Parkwood was born out of the experiences and commitment of Gold Coast local, Trudi Murray, who had seen a close relative of hers experience discrimination in another aged care setting.
With the help of an associate, Ann Robilotta, the two embarked on securing a development application to build Queensland’s first LGBTIQ+ inclusive aged care residence.
While Trudi and Ann had government support for sixty LGBTIQ+ bed licenses, they say they understood that building and operating an aged care residence was a huge undertaking.
The pair say they approached Arcare as they felt Arcare would “do it right” based on their experience.
Construction on Arcare Parkwood commenced in November 2018. In April 2019, Arcare was awarded another 30 bed licenses – bringing the total number of suites to 90.
Arcare Parkwood held its public open day on 9 November 2019 and welcomed its first clients on Monday 11 November 2019.
“It’s been wonderful to see our community come together to achieve this. We believe it’s important to bring awareness and achieving the Rainbow Tick Accreditation sets Arcare Parkwood at the forefront of LGBTIQ+ inclusivity in the aged care sector,” said Residence Manager, Sue Falzon.
Rainbow Tick Accreditors gave notable mention to the following steps that Arcare Parkwood undertook to achieve their Rainbow Tick Accreditation:
– Silver Rainbow training (LGBTIQ+ aged care awareness) undertaken and the attention to achieving the next level of professional development in the aged care LGBTIQ+ inclusive space;
– Team members at all levels were unanimous in their identification of the support and resources they have received in relation to enable better practice. In particular, the training they had access to and the opportunities to further their skills and knowledge;
– The work undertaken around consumer engagement and consultations through the LGBTIQ+ community advisory group and more;
– The consideration given to moving ‘beyond the tick’;
– The pride team members take in their connection to Arcare Parkwood. Many team members spoke of their lived experience and their own sexual identity and how they have felt safe, with an ability to be truly who they are in the workplace;
– The participation in the 2021 SBS documentary series ‘What Does Australia Really Think About’ with the focus on ageing and LGBTIQ+ inclusion.
Arcare Parkwood this week thanked its team members, residents and their families and loved ones who were involved in the assessment process by sharing their knowledge and experience.
“Everyone who joins the Arcare Parkwood Community is supported by our unique Relationship-First Approach where nurturing honest, respectful and consistent relationships with residents and their loved ones is at the heart of what we do,” it said in a statement.
