LEI Resource Guide

The LEI Resource Guide covers all sections of the LEI survey in great detail, providing explanation of why these policies and practices we ask about are important, example policies, links to outside resources, and more. The resources provided here are certainly not the only ones available to help guide your community in LGBTQ+ person-centered care; however, we hope they can help you get started on implementing best practices in equitable and inclusive care for LGBTQ+ residents.

We hope you find the LEI Resource Guide helpful in taking steps to ensure equitable and inclusive treatment for LGBTQ+ residents, families, and employees at your facility. If you have any further questions about the LEI, please do not hesitate to contact our team at LEI@hrc.org.

The LEI 2025 Criteria is now available. The LEI 2025 Survey will open in Summer 2024.

Scoring Criteria Overview

The Long-Term Care Equality Index has four core objectives which are reflected in its criteria:

• Ensure foundational non-discrimination protections for residents, visitors, and staff and provide training in LGBTQ+ Resident Centered Care
• Demonstrate progress towards inclusion of LGBTQ+ resident services and support
• Foster an inclusive workplace by providing LGBTQ+ inclusive employee policies and benefits
• Demonstrate engagement with and a public commitment to the LGBTQ+ community
  

Criteria 1: Non-Discrimination and Staff Training

The Non-Discrimination and Staff Training criterion represents policies and practices that are considered foundational to LGBTQ+ resident-centered care. The section includes important elements that should be completed first and which, when complete, will provide a strong base from which to grow. The resource pages include sample policies and examples of how long-term care communities and senior housing providers can meet this criterion.

Criteria 2: Resident Services and Supports

This criterion includes a wide variety of best practice recommendations drawn from federal nursing home regulations under the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), guidance from the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and additional research and reports regarding the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults living in long-term care and senior housing communities. Three subsections compose this criterion.

Criteria 3: Employee Benefits & Policies

This criterion is designed to familiarize communities with best practices to promote equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. It is critical that LGBTQ+ employees, like LGBTQ+ residents, receive equal treatment, particularly vis-à-vis health-related benefits and policies.

Criteria 4: Resident & Community Engagement

This criterion helps long-term care communities ensure that 1) LGBTQ+ residents are connected to the larger LGBTQ+ community and 2) that the long-term care or senior housing community builds relationships with the larger LGBTQ+ community.