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Silver Rainbow Training

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LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Aged Care Training:

Designed specifically for the Aged Care sector, Silver Rainbow training equips staff with the skills, and confidence to provide inclusive care to older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer (LGBTIQ+) clients.

As our population ages, so too does the number of LGBTIQ+ elders requiring compassionate and knowledgeable care. Many of these individuals have experienced discrimination, social isolation, or unique medical needs that need to be acknowledged in a care setting.

Silver Rainbow helps Aged Care professionals understand these challenges and provide a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all.

Silver Rainbow is offered exclusively by Thorne Harbour Health, in partnership with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA), Australia’s peak LGBTIQ+ health organisation.

To register for training, please fill out our form below, responding to simple questions about your organisation and training needs.

Register Now

What Does Silver Rainbow Training Cover?

Silver Rainbow training is practical, interactive, and tailored to meet the needs of Aged Care workers at all levels. Whether you are a nurse, personal carer, administrator, or facility manager, this training provides meaningful insights and real-world applications to help you create a more inclusive environment for older LGBTIQ+ people.

Essential Training Components
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The core training includes:

  • Introductory Module – 1 hour (online, self-paced): To be completed before attending the main training, this foundation module provides an introduction to LGBTIQ+ inclusion in Aged Care.
  • Silver Rainbow Training in Aged Care – 2 hours (face-to-face or online): This interactive workshop explores practical strategies for making Aged Care environments safer, more inclusive, and affirming for LGBTIQ+ elders. Topics include:
    • Recognising and addressing discrimination and bias
    • Understanding the unique needs of older LGBTIQ+ people
    • Creating an inclusive environment that fosters belonging and respect
  • HIV 101 Training – 1 hour (face-to-face): With LGBTIQ+ people living longer with HIV, this module provides essential knowledge on:
    • The realities of aging with HIV
    • Current treatment and management approaches
    • Breaking down stigma and supporting quality of life

By completing these core components, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of LGBTIQ+ elders and practical skills to ensure their care is person-centred and affirming.

Optional Training Components
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To further enhance learning and ongoing professional development, organisations also have access to the following optional components:

  • Access to 4 LGBTIQ+ Specialist Modules (online): These additional self-paced modules cover specific areas of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in greater depth.
  • Four Communities of Practice (CoP) per year (face-to-face or online): Join a supportive network of professionals in the Aged Care sector to:
    • Share experiences and learn from real-world case studies
    • Discuss challenges and best practices in LGBTIQ+ inclusion
    • Connect with industry experts and other professionals
  • Rainbow Connection – Volunteer Matching Service: A unique initiative that matches older LGBTIQ+ people with volunteers to help combat social isolation and loneliness.
  • Access to Information and Health Services: Silver Rainbow participants also gain access to a wealth of information, resources, and healthcare programs, including specialist support for people living with HIV.

Why is This Training Important?

Older LGBTIQ+ people may face:

  • Past discrimination leading to mistrust of healthcare services
  • Limited family support networks, increasing reliance on formal Aged Care
  • Higher rates of mental health issues due to stigma and trauma
  • Unique medical needs, such as gender-affirming healthcare or HIV treatment

At the same time, many LGBTIQ+ elders seek connection, community, and a sense of belonging. This training helps Aged Care workers provide affirming and respectful care to meet these needs.

Silver Rainbow training aligns with:

  • Industry Quality Standards
  • The Specialisation Verification Framework
  • The Aged Care Act
  • Diversity Action Plans

By participating in Silver Rainbow, your organisation demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, professional excellence, and the highest standard of care for all older Australians.

Flexible Training Delivery – On-Site or in Adelaide CBD

Silver Rainbow is flexible and accessible, with training sessions available:

  • At your workplace (on-site)
  • At our Thorne Harbour Health training venue in Adelaide CBD
  • Online (for selected components)

This flexibility ensures that all Aged Care providers, regardless of location or size, can access high-quality LGBTIQ+ inclusion training.

Special EOFY Offer – Book by June 30!

Take advantage of our special End of Financial Year (EOFY) rate and book your Silver Rainbow training session today!

  • Limited-time price: $750 (+GST) per group
  • Offer valid for all training delivered by June 30, 2025

Join the Silver Rainbow Community of Practice

The Silver Rainbow Community of Practice (CoP) is open to anyone working in Aged Care who wants to learn more about LGBTIQA+ inclusion.

What’s in it for you?

  • Learn from experts and guest speakers
  • Share experiences and gain insights from peers
  • Network with like-minded professionals
  • Discuss real-world challenges and solutions

CoPs are free to attend, and we warmly invite you to join us!

By ensuring your staff are educated, equipped, and empowered, you can create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all older Australians. Join us in building a better Aged Care sector.

Register Now

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19 Dec 2024

Gary and Dylan's Rainbow Connection

At the heart of Thorne Harbour Health’s Rainbow Connection program lies the power of intergenerational friendships. For Gary, a retired gay man with a storied past, and Dylan, a dedicated volunteer juggling a full-time career, their relationship has become a meaningful exchange of experiences and support.

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