About the Long-Term Care Equality Index

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.

The LEI 2025 Survey will open in Summer 2024.


The LEI Survey Criteria

The LEI promotes LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices in residential long-term care and senior housing. The LEI criteria consist of emerging best practices known to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ older adults, visitors, and staff.

The LEI has four core objectives which are reflected in its survey 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
The Long-Term Care Equality Index Criteria Sections

Tiers of Recognition

The LEI recognizes participating long-term care and senior housing communities. Participating communities that have met all of Criteria 1's foundational non-discrimination policies and training can achieve one of three Tiers of Recognition. See below for a description and requirements for each tier.


Participate in the LEI

The LEI encourages the following housing providers to participate:

  • 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

Executive staff can sign the Commitment to Caring Pledge to get started


The Long-Term Care Equality Index is a collaborative project between The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, and SAGE, the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older adults.