Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Some people whose job it is to help older Illinoisans are getting training in how to work with seniors who are LGBTQ. Carolyn Austin of the Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, AgeLinc, explains OUTSafe:

“The training is really targeted toward providers, including police departments, health care providers, community-based organizations, and Area Agencies on Aging,” Austin said, “to help them create a safe space for people to feel comfortable sharing abuses that they’ve suffered, but also to help them understand how to provide culturally sensitive care.”

The program addresses older people in the LGBTQ population who have been abused.

Austin says most seniors grew up in a time when being LGBTQ was something to hide, and many still are not comfortable with coming out of the closet.