For immediate release
October 18, 2011

Media Contact:
Jason Wilkinson
719-471-7080 x139

PPACG to host Project Visibility training on Nov. 10

Colorado Springs, CO– The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) Area Agency on Aging is hosting “Project Visibility” training on Nov. 10 at their offices at 14 S. Chestnut St. in Colorado Springs. The free workshop is designed for professional service care providers as well as friends and family of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders who may need long-term care. Colorado Springs “rainbow elders” are encouraged to attend to offer their unique perspectives.

What: Project Visibility training to develop compassionate care for LGBT elders
When: Thursday, November 10
Time: The same training is offered twice: 9:00am-noon and 1:00pm-4:00pm
Where: 14 S. Chestnut St., Colorado Springs CO 80905

“A recent report, ‘Stories from the Field’ [National Senior Citizens Law Center, 2011], notes that a majority of LGBT elders felt unsafe telling their nursing home or other residents that they were LGBT. Nearly half of those who told staff that they were LGBT reported incidences of mistreatment at the hands of staff. Some were refused visitors or were abruptly discharged. Some reported that their legal directives were not followed,” explains Nancy Grimes, LGBT Program Specialist for Boulder County Aging Services. “We have much work to do to educate our senior care network about the needs of this often invisible, isolated population.” During the training, the award-winning Project Visibility film is screened: courageous elders speak about their lives, their strengths, wishes, and concerns about the aging services network. Participants receive a manual providing history, background information, terminology, resources, and practical suggestions for providing culturally-competent care and service. Participants will learn the simple and necessary changes to communicate that their services/agency is a friendly and safe one. There will be ample time for discussion.

To register, contact Tina Richter, Long Term Care Ombudsman, at 719-471-7080 x132 by Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 4:00pm.

For more information about Project Visibility, contact Nancy at 303-441-3583.

PPACG serves as the state-designated Area Agency on Aging for El Paso, Park
and Teller counties. The agency administers programs and services funded through the federal Older Americans Act and the State of Colorado to give older adults what they most desire—the ability to live independently in their own homes and avoid costly institutionalization.
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