Penn State York will offer a one-day workshop, LGBTQ+ Topics for Health Care Professionals, set for Sept. 27 at the campus. Registration is underway.
YORK, Pa. — Selecting an assisted living community, personal care home, or nursing home can be difficult for senior citizens who face health care issues, but it can even be more difficult for LGBTQ+ elders. Penn State York is offering a one-day workshop, LGBTQ+ Topics for Health Care Professionals, set for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Precision Custom Components Community Room at the campus.
According to the American Psychological Association, more than 39 million people in the U.S. are age 65 years or older and this includes 2.4 million who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. To many who have lived their lives freely, although under unique stressors when “coming out,” may now find themselves facing discriminatory policies and can be more vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment in aging care facilities.
“This one-day workshop will lead participants to a thorough understanding of sexual orientation,” said Patty Bowen, director of continuing education at Penn State York. “Participants will learn to define and differentiate between sexual orientation and gender identity, describe risk and protective factors, recognize heterosexism, and identify steps to make your organization a more welcoming environment for both employees and those you serve.”
The program is designed for anyone in the health care industry, including those in personal care, assisted living, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, hospital, and home health care.
Rosemary Browne, president and CEO of Alder Health Services, is the keynote speaker and will cover topics including an identities overview and defining the letters LGBTQ+, understanding and building awareness, accessing medical care from a transgender perspective, solving clinical pre-existing strengths to working with transgender clients, and navigating next steps and reflections.
Cost for the workshop $150 per person, or $120 for groups of six or more. The fee includes continental breakfast and lunch.
For more information, call 717-771-4032 or register now online.