Frequently Asked Questions

The Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI) is the first national benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion in senior housing and long-term care communities. With free resources, technical assistance, and a biennial survey, the LEI helps communities implement, strengthen, and innovate their LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts. The LEI report formally recognizes communities leading in LGBTQ+ inclusion. Click here to learn more about the LEI.

The next LEI survey opens in Summer 2024 with the LEI 2025 Report released in Summer 2025.

The housing providers* that are eligible to participate include:

• Skilled Nursing Communities
• Memory Care Communities
• Assisted Living Communities
• Independent Living Communities
• Life Plan or Continuing Care Retirement Communities
• Affordable Senior Housing Communities
• Free-Standing Hospice Communities

*Your community must be open and actively housing residents by the LEI 2025 survey opening (summer 2024).

*The LEI is limited to long-term care and senior housing communities in the United States and its Territories

You can view a map of current LEI participants at www.hrc.org/lei

No, participating in the LEI is free.

• Provide high-quality, welcoming environments to LGBTQ residents and assurance to their families and friends that their loved ones are safe.
• Public recognition as a leader in providing LGBTQ-welcoming services.
• Access to best practices for LGBTQ+ diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Access to quality education and resources for serving LGBTQ+ residents.
• Technical assistance with meeting state and federal regulatory requirements related to serving LGBTQ residents, including CMS Requirements of Participation regarding person-directed services and trauma-informed care.
• Improved ability to develop LGBTQ+ culturally appropriate marketing for future staff, clients, and funders.

To participate leadership at your organization must sign the Commitment to Caring Pledge. By signing the pledge you are committing to taking steps to grow and affirm your LGBTQ-welcoming policies and practices.

The next LEI survey opens in Summer 2024 with the LEI 2025 Report released in Summer 2025.

To receive credit for the LEI:

• New communities or those that have not previously met the training requirement must have 80% of key senior executives complete the LGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI): Executive Briefing provided by the LEI.
  
• Returning communities that have previously met the training requirement must have 50% of management and non-management staff combined complete 1 hour of LGBTQ+ Aging Cultural Competency training provided by an LEI-approved trainer.
  
• SAGECare Platinum Certified communities (new or returning) will receive credit for both the LEI Executive Briefing and the ongoing staff training requirement

Learn more about the LEI Executive Briefing and the ongoing staff training requirement here.

The LEI 2023 Report is now available. You can read the report, review a map of LEI 2023 participants, and search communities at www.hrc.org/lei.

Yes, our team is available to support your community on your journey to LGBTQ+ inclusion. After signing the commitment to caring pledge we recommend viewing the LEI 2025 Survey Criteria, completing the LEI Jumpstart worksheet (download), and reviewing the LEI Resource Guide.

For additional assistance, please contact us at LEI@hrc.org.