Peter and Judy moved to Beatitudes Campus on their own terms, years before their sons, Todd and Jay, ever needed to weigh in. “My parents have always valued their independence and wanted to be as little of a burden as possible on us,” Todd said. “They decided well before we would have to decide anything ourselves.”

Shortly after moving in, Todd’s father was diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer’s. The timing of the move, just before the 2020 lockdown, proved critical. Peter had a safe, supportive environment as his condition progressed, and Judy had a community around her and access to resources to help her prepare for what was ahead.

It wasn’t easy, Todd said, but it was the best possible situation. His father passed away in early 2024, and today, Todd has no doubt his mother will continue being well cared for, whatever the future holds.

Judy had the freedom to grieve at her own pace, with no pressure to join activities before she was ready. Her friends were there when she wanted company and gave her space when she needed it. When she was ready, she showed up fully. She took up darts and started mentoring new residents, including a couple in which one spouse had dementia.

“She is able to lean on her good circle of friends and be a shoulder for them as well,” Todd said. “I love that they lift each other up and enrich each other’s lives and focus on the positive.”

Through everything, Judy’s life stayed anchored to what has always mattered most to her, including learning, kindness and values that run deep throughout Beatitudes Campus.

“I enjoy the fact that everything my mother and my family hold as important – humanity, equity, social justice and being a good neighbor – is important to so many people in the community,” he said.

Todd isn’t worried about his mother anymore and doesn’t need to be. Despite so many things having changed in Judy’s life, it has not changed much. And that’s a good thing.

“Beatitudes Campus will allow your loved one to be who they are and live how they would like to live,” he said. “They can do so with their own will, their own comfort and their own independence for as long as they can.”

Learn about the lifestyle that allows residents to bloom at Beatitudes Campus. We invite you to connect with our team or schedule a personal visit to see what makes our community so special.

Featured Image: Penkel / Shutterstock

If you’ve recently found yourself nodding along to a conversation with your grandchild while understanding absolutely nothing they just said, welcome to the club. You’re not alone or out of touch. And you’re definitely not the first person to Google “what does ‘no cap’ mean?”

Language has always been a living, breathing thing. It shifts, stretches and reinvents itself with every generation, absorbing the culture and moment in history that demands a new way of saying something that matters. The way we talk about people, places and experiences reflects how we see the world and each other.

The Words We Use Say More Than We Think

The 1920s had “the bee’s knees.” The 1940s brought “malarkey” and “copacetic.” The 1950s checked in with “knuckle sandwich” and “Daddy-o.” The 1960s gave us “groovy.” The 1970s added “burn rubber” and “boogie.” By the 1980s, we were saying “rad” and “gnarly,” and the 1990s closed it out with “as if” and “all that.”

Each generation rolls its eyes at the next one’s vocabulary, then adopts half of it without admitting it. Language evolves because the world evolves. New technology, social movements and generations growing up with entirely different reference points all shape how we express ourselves. The words we choose reveal what we value, who we’re listening to and how willing we are to meet people where they are.

Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year: More Than a Popularity Contest

Every year, Merriam-Webster announces its Word of the Year, and every year, people have opinions about it. But the selection process is more thoughtful than it might appear.

The team at Merriam-Webster tracks which words see the highest spikes in lookups throughout the year, particularly those that reflect meaningful developments in culture, politics or society. It’s less about what’s trendy and more about what people are genuinely trying to understand.

Recent Words of the Year have included “authentic,” “gaslighting” and “rizz.” Each one is a window into what the country was collectively wrestling with or curious about at that moment. Think of it as a vocabulary snapshot of who we are and what we’re paying attention to.

A Glossary for the Group Chat

If your grandchild has ever left you puzzling over a text message, here’s a quick guide to some of the words and phrases you may encounter:

Rizz = charisma. The natural ability to charm or attract people. If someone says you’ve got rizz, take the compliment. “That new resident has so much rizz. Everyone wants to sit with her at dinner.”
Bet = agreement or confirmation. Think of it as the modern “absolutely” or “sounds good.” “Want to meet for coffee at 10?” “Bet.”
Real or that’s so real = An expression of genuine relatability. When something resonates deeply, it’s real. “Forgetting where you put your glasses every single morning? That’s so real.”
Say less = I understand completely. No further explanation needed. Stop right there, I’m already on board. “Can you bring dessert to the potluck?” “Say less.”
No cap = no exaggeration. The honest truth. “That was the best chicken Wellington I’ve ever had, no cap.”
Lowkey = Quietly, subtly or to a moderate degree. “I’m lowkey obsessed with this new walking trail.”
Hits different = Feels more meaningful or impactful in a particular context. “Watching the sunset from the patio just hits differently in the fall.”
Slay = to do something exceptionally well. To show up fully and confidently. If your grandchild tells you that “you slay,” you’re thriving.

You don’t have to use these words yourself (though imagine the look on your grandchild’s face if you did). But recognizing them gives you a way in, a small bridge into a conversation that might otherwise feel like a foreign language.

Pronouns: A Small Word With Meaningful Impact

Language is also how we tell people they belong. One of the most important evolutions in modern language involves something as small and simple as a pronoun. More and more people today, particularly younger generations, identify with pronouns that may differ from what others might assume based on appearance alone. She/her, he/him, they/them and others are terms individuals use to refer to themselves. Using someone’s correct pronouns is one of the most direct ways to show respect.

This can feel unfamiliar at first, especially if you didn’t grow up in a world where this was part of the conversation. That’s OK. Most meaningful shifts in language come with a learning curve. The important thing isn’t perfection, it’s the genuine effort to get it right. A few simple ways to practice:

Listen first. If someone shares their pronouns, use them.
When in doubt, ask. A simple “What pronouns do you use?” is always appropriate.
Mistakes happen. If you use the wrong pronoun, correct yourself, move on and do better next time. A brief acknowledgement is enough. A lengthy apology can actually put the burden back on the other person.
Use “they” as a neutral default when you’re unsure. It’s grammatically correct and has been used in singular form in English for centuries.

The Language of Distinct Communities

Pronouns are just one example of how different groups use language to express identity and belonging. Cultural communities, generational groups and social movements all develop their own vocabulary to name their experiences. This is often because existing languages simply weren’t built with them in mind.

Paying attention to the language a group uses to describe itself is a sign of respect. It signals that you’re listening, that you’re willing to learn and that you understand language isn’t just about words.

This shows up in conversations about aging, too. Many older adults prefer terms like “older adult” versus “elderly.” Some communities have strong preferences around how disability is discussed. Indigenous communities often have specific preferences around terminology that reflect their identity and sovereignty. Taking the time to ask and listen (rather than assuming) goes a long way in every one of these conversations.

Staying Curious at Beatitudes Campus

Lifelong learning is a philosophy here at Beatitudes Campus. Residents are encouraged to keep exploring, questioning and growing. This includes the language that shapes how we connect with the people around us.

Our lifelong learning opportunities can help you decode your grandchild’s texts, understand inclusive language and stay engaged with a world that keeps changing. Ready to keep growing? Learn more by calling (602) 833-1358 or by planning your personal tour.

Featured Image: KrakenImages / Shutterstock

PHOENIX, Arizona (March 31, 2026) — Beatitudes Campus will host one of the world’s leading researchers in Alzheimer’s disease prevention and dementia care when Dr. Pierre N. Tariot presents a special educational program on April 14 at 9 am. The event will be open to campus residents, their families and members of the broader Phoenix community.

Dr. Tariot will discuss emerging strategies for dementia prevention as well as practical approaches for living well after a diagnosis. His presentation will explore both the latest scientific advancements in Alzheimer’s prevention research and the compassionate principles that guide effective dementia care.

Dr. Tariot is a clinician, researcher and global leader in Alzheimer’s disease research. He was co-founder of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, alongside Dr. Eric Reiman, helping establish the institute as a global leader in Alzheimer’s prevention therapies and in developing new standards of dementia care. Since its founding nearly two decades ago, the institute has played a central role in advancing the science of Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.

Dr. Tariot also serves as co-director and co-founder of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative, an international research program widely credited with helping launch a new era in Alzheimer’s prevention research. Throughout his career, he has served as principal investigator on more than 50 clinical trials focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and has published more than 400 scientific papers on these topics.

His connection to Beatitudes Campus runs deep. In addition to having had a family connection to the community, Dr. Tariot serves on the cabinet of Beatitudes Campus’ THRIVE capital campaign and has collaborated with the campus on research and education connected to its nationally recognized Comfort Matters® approach to dementia care.

“Dr. Tariot is one of the world’s leading voices in Alzheimer’s research, but to us he is also a longtime partner and friend of Beatitudes Campus,” said Michelle Just, president and CEO of Beatitudes Campus. “His mother lived here, and over the years he has collaborated with our team on research and education related to our Comfort Matters® approach to dementia care. We are honored to welcome him back to campus to share both the latest science in Alzheimer’s prevention and the compassionate principles that help people live well with the disease.”

The event also highlights Beatitudes Campus’ leadership in dementia care through its Comfort Matters® philosophy, an award-winning approach that prioritizes dignity, flexibility and personalized engagement for residents living with memory loss. The model has been adopted by care organizations across the country and reflects Beatitudes Campus’ commitment to creating a dementia-friendly community that supports both residents and their families.

About Beatitudes Campus

Founded in 1965, Beatitudes Campus is a nonprofit senior living community in Phoenix, Arizona, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and healthcare services.

Known for its vibrant campus culture and innovative approach to senior living, Beatitudes Campus continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of older adults and their families. The organization’s mission is Inspiring purpose and vibrancy in life’s journey — Live Brightly, Age Boldly.

About Comfort Matters® by Beatitudes Campus

Comfort Matters® is an award-winning philosophy of dementia care developed and advanced at Beatitudes Campus. The program emphasizes comfort, dignity, flexibility and meaningful engagement for people living with dementia. The model has been adopted by care organizations across the country and is part of Beatitudes Campus’ commitment to creating a dementia-friendly community that supports both residents and their families.

To register for the April 14 event, visit beatitudescampus.org/events. Seating will be limited.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Barbara Wood

Vice President of Development & Communications/PR

Beatitudes Campus 480-818-2621 bwood@beatitudescampus.org

Scott Appel 602-763-8863 sappel@synkro3.com

Eggplant Napoleon in Elaine’s Fine Dining. Veggie-stuffed acorn squash at Buckwald’s Arizona Grille. Grain power bowls, built your way with quinoa, farro or pearl barley, at the Town Plaza Bistro. With so many plant-based dining options at Beatitudes Campus, a little green goes a long way.

We believe your best way of eating is the one that supports your health, fits your values, and still feels fun and flavorful. You shouldn’t have to make a “special request” every time you sit down to eat. Our culinary team prioritizes inclusivity, so vegetarian and vegan residents can look forward to meals just as much as everyone else.

Vegan, Flexitarian or Just Veggie-Curious? There’s a Seat at Our Table

What is a plant-based diet? For flexitarians (flexible vegetarians), it means leaning more into plants while still enjoying occasional fish, dairy or eggs. For others, it’s a full vegetarian diet or a vegan diet. Either way, the goal is more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and fewer highly processed foods. You may also hear the term whole-food, plant-based diet, which focuses on plant foods in their most nourishing, minimally processed forms.

“We are happy and supportive to have residents who really care about their health and diet. In every menu we have on campus and events we host, we offer a vegetarian choice entrée and several other vegetable options,” said Nutrition Care Manager, Lori Eddings. “We have several residents on campus who eat flexitarian to full vegan styles of diets, so we always have vegetarian options automatically part of our menus.”

That word, automatically, matters. It means plant-forward diners can relax and enjoy the experience, knowing satisfying choices await them. Chef Cosmin Barbu added that the focus on plant-forward eating is only growing as dining menus evolve across campus.

“All menus for our dining areas are being updated. We’re starting with the Bistro, and the new menu will feature a veggie quesadilla, a spinach and arugula salad, and many vegetable and grain sides.”

So, whether you’re a longtime vegetarian, newly curious about going plant-based or simply trying to eat more vegetables, you’ll find an abundance of green choices at Beatitudes Campus.

Vegetarian? Vegan? Here’s What That Means on Your Plate

What do vegetarians eat? Most vegetarians focus on plant foods but may also include eggs and dairy on their plates, depending on their personal preferences. Many vegetarian meals include vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, dairy and eggs.

What do vegans eat? A vegan diet avoids animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs and often honey. Vegan meals still offer plenty of variety and flavor, especially when built around hearty staples like beans, lentils, tofu, whole grains, vegetables, sauces, herbs and spices.

What Are the Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

A plant-based diet is about making choices that help you feel your best, more often. This approach can support:

Heart health and healthy cholesterol levels.
Better digestion, thanks to fiber-rich foods.
More steady energy throughout the day.
Healthy weight management for many people.
Blood sugar support when meals are balanced.
Overall wellness through nutrient-dense ingredients.

Strategies to Eat More Plants Without Overthinking It

A common misconception about plant-based eating is that it requires a dramatic overhaul. In reality, small shifts add up quickly and can feel surprisingly doable. One simple and popular trend is to eat 40 different plant foods in a week. This includes fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and even coffee and dark chocolate in some versions.

When you aim for variety, you naturally expand your nutrition, keep meals from getting boring and discover new favorites along the way. Here are five easy ways to rack up the plants:

Add berries and chopped nuts to breakfast.
Toss two kinds of greens into a salad.
Add beans to soups and grain bowls.
Mix roasted veggies into pasta or quinoa.
Sprinkle herbs on top of almost anything.

Another plant-forward strategy is to “eat the rainbow.” When you fill your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables throughout the week, you’re naturally pulling in a wider variety of nutrients without having to think too hard about it.

Think of it as a challenge: how many colors can you get on your plate this week?

Red: tomatoes, strawberries, red peppers.
Orange: carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges.
Yellow: squash, corn, pineapple.
Green: spinach, arugula, broccoli, avocado.
Blue/purple: blueberries, eggplant, purple cabbage.
White: cauliflower, onions, mushrooms.

Start With What You Already Love, Then Add More Plants

If you’re curious about how to start a plant-based diet, here are a few ways to begin:

Start with one plant-forward meal a day. Breakfast is often the easiest.
Build meals around what you already like, then adjust. Love tacos? Try a veggie quesadilla or black bean filling.
Upgrade your sides. Add roasted vegetables, a hearty salad or a grain side.
Keep your favorites. Plant-based eating works best when it still feels enjoyable.
Focus on additions, not restrictions. Add plants first and let the rest sort itself out.

Another question we hear is about protein for vegetarians. The good news is plant-forward eaters have lots of options, and protein shows up in more places than people think. Sources include:

Beans and lentils
Chickpeas and hummus
Tofu and tempeh
Edamame
Nuts and nut butters
Seeds like chia, hemp and pumpkin
Whole grains like quinoa
Dairy and eggs (for those who include them)

A simple rule of thumb is to pair a protein with a fiber-rich carbohydrate (like vegetables or whole grains) and add a healthy fat (like avocado, olive oil or nuts). That combination tends to feel satisfying and keeps energy steady.

Eat the Way You Love, With Support Built In

Food is personal and reflects health goals, personal values, cultural traditions and what feels good to you. It helps to live somewhere where healthy choices are convenient and delicious.

That’s where Beatitudes Campus really serves it up. We’re proud to be a community where residents feel seen and supported, including at the dining table.

Whether you’re fully vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian or just trying to eat a few more vegetables this week, you deserve meals that nourish you and a community that makes it easy to keep doing what works for you.

If you’re exploring Beatitudes Campus and wondering how your preferred way of eating will fit here, we’d love to talk and show you what’s on our menu. Call (602) 833-1358 or schedule a personal tour.

Featured Image: Anuta23 / Shutterstock

They’d been crossing paths around Beatitudes Campus for years, but it took one crowded interfaith banquet and a spark of familiarity to bring Jim Plaster and Jeannette Haasarud together.

Jim moved here with his wife in 2011, while Jeannette arrived with her husband in 2015.

Jeannette knew Jim as a former resident council president and remembered how he and his late wife opened their patio home for marketing events. Jim, meanwhile, had noticed Jeannette when she checked him in for lifelong learning courses.

In late 2023, they both boarded the Beatitudes Campus bus to attend the Arizona Interfaith Movement’s Golden Rule Awards Banquet in Mesa. Once they arrived, the space was buzzing, with people and vendors filling every corner, and Jeannette and Jim found themselves easing into the event side by side.

“As we were walking in, I put my arm around her waist to kind of guide her through so we wouldn’t run into anybody,” Jim said. “And then she put her arm around my waist and we said, ‘You want to go look at this together?’”

Jeannette remembers the easy conversation while they wandered the vendor booths before heading to their table. “We were having such a good time, I thought, ‘Gee, I wish we’d sit together at this table.’ It turns out, he was wishing the same thing.”

While they weren’t seated together that night, they were a few weeks later when Jim invited Jeannette to the annual holiday party. Jeannette had been single for eight years, happily immersed in her own routines and interests, not even thinking about senior living dating.

“I was surprised when he called and said, ‘Sure, I would enjoy that.’ He came to the door to get me and was very much a gentleman. And he looked great,” Jeannette recalled.

At the party, an announcement invited everyone to come onstage for photos in front of the Christmas tree. “I thought, ‘Oh, no, this poor guy. Now he’s having to have a picture taken with me,’” Jeannette recalled. But Jim didn’t miss a beat. He slipped an arm around her and said, “Come on, let’s go,” putting Jeannette immediately at ease. Later, he printed the photo and set it by his toaster where he’d see it every day.

After that, they talked often, with Jim calling Jeannette every morning at 8 am. Those check-ins turned into getting-to-know-you conversations, and Jim noticed how much they had in common. “I found out she was from Eagle Grove, Iowa,” he said. “And I was from Shenandoah, Iowa. We were based in the same kind of environment, the Midwest. And, I know it’s a cliché, but we just kind of clicked. We discovered we agreed on a lot, and we tend to see things the same way.”

For Jeannette, the connection felt natural. “I think our values are very similar and that was important. The kind of qualities that he has are things that I admire,” she said. “We both had successful marriages with our spouses, so we know what it takes for a relationship.”

Macho Meets Match: Jeannette Steps In

The turning point in their relationship came in March 2024, when Jim was playing competitive table tennis. “I was reaching really far for a ball and I fell and broke my hip. When the fire department arrived, I was the laughingstock. Everybody joked, ‘You broke your hip playing ping pong!’”

Back home after surgery, Jim insisted he could handle things on his own. But Jeannette had supported a close friend through a similar injury and knew how recovery really works. “Being a macho type I said, I could take care of myself,” Jim admitted. “But Jeanette said, ‘No, I would like to help you.’” She moved in to help with day-to-day needs, and the routine of caring became the routine of togetherness.

Jeannette called Jim a “poster boy” for rehab and recovery. And his friends had a theory about his motivation: getting back behind the wheel of his beloved metallic red Mazda MX-5.

Once he was feeling healthy, Jeannette asked when she should go back to her Plaza rental apartment. Jim answered, “I don’t want you to go back. I like you here.” Jeannette’s reply: “Well, I love being here.”

Senior Living Dating That Feels Effortless

If you’ve ever wondered, ‘How do seniors meet other seniors?’ after a loss or later-life transition, the answer is, they show up to life. “You get to know people on campus a lot, and you intermingle very naturally,” Jeannette said. She calls Beatitudes Campus a “mini college campus,” with 35 acres of places to go, people to see and a steady flow of classes, activities and conversations. Added Jim, “It’s so easy and there are so many ways to get to know somebody here.”

That’s the sweet spot of senior living dating at Beatitudes Campus: companionship first, a comfortable pace and independence intact. Jeannette and Jim describe themselves as a committed couple without the pressure to combine everything. “I kept my apartment. At this age, we keep our finances and everything separate,” Jeannette said. They enjoy having a second place they call “the studio,” where Jeannette sews and bakes, and the two curl up for movie nights together.

Honoring the Past, Choosing the Present

Their relationship doesn’t replace what came before. It adds something real to the present. “We talk about our spouses and honor them. That’s part of our history, too,” Jeannette said. She’s equally clear about moving forward: “You’re not dishonoring your former spouse if you date again. Even if it’s only friendship, companionship adds something.” As their relationship grew, she found herself thinking, “My husband would be smiling.”

Their day-to-day looks like a strong partnership at any age: shared meals, errands, plenty of laughs and even washing their cars together. This often draws smiling neighbors to joke that maybe the two of them would like to do theirs, too.

“We have a lot of shared interests, but there are things that he likes to do and things that I like to do, and we honor that in each other,” Jeannette said. Case in point: after Jim took 30 minutes to iron one shirt, Jeannette happily claimed ironing duty.

Red Flags, Boundaries and First Date Ideas

Some older adults prefer meeting people the traditional way, while others try online options. If you’re looking at senior dating sites like OurTime, SilverSingles or Stitch, a little caution goes a long way.

Beatitudes Campus often reminds residents to watch out for senior scams, and Jim and Jeannette agree it’s smart not to rush. “Get to know the person, check them out and be cautious,” Jim advised.

That mindset helps you feel more comfortable and enjoy the experience, whether you meet someone on campus or through a dating app for older people. Here are a few tips:

Go slow on personal details. Share your interests first. Save financial information, full address and account details for much later, if ever.
Meet in public early on. Choose a well-populated spot on campus or a public venue off campus. Let a friend know your plans.
Watch for pressure. Senior living sex should always center on respect, privacy, consent and personal choice. If someone rushes intimacy, commitment or money talk, step back.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s enough reason to pause.
Set clear boundaries. Emotional, physical and time boundaries count. A healthy partner will respect them.

For those looking for dates for seniors that feel easy, fun and low-pressure, Beatitudes Campus offers plenty:

Start with something simple, like coffee in the bistro and a walk around campus.
Attend a class together, then keep the conversation going over lunch.
Choose a concert or musical program, and turn it into a dinner-and-a-show.
Try a group outing, then follow up with a one-on-one meal if the vibe is right.
Keep it playful: puzzles, cards, a movie night or a shared hobby.

Live Brightly. Age Boldly. Love Fully.

At Beatitudes Campus, love has room to grow in every form, in a community where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves. Connection might look like a coffee companion, a concert buddy, a dinner date or a committed partnership, and it all belongs here.

Jim and Jeannette’s relationship grew through easy conversation, shared values and steady kindness. “We both marvel that this was a surprise to both of us, and we see it as a blessing,” Jeannette said. “Beatitudes Campus has a motto to live brightly and age boldly, so that’s just what we’re doing.”

Come see how inclusivity, a sense of belonging and partnership can be found at Beatitudes Campus. Call us at (602) 833-1358 or plan a personal visit.

Belonging isn’t a bonus in retirement; it’s essential. LGBTQ+ older adults deserve homes where they’re seen, safe and supported. At Beatitudes Campus, that promise is real: we’ve been named a 2025 Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI) Leader, the equality index’s highest tier and earned by only 11% of participating communities. Just 31 communities nationwide hold this distinction, and we’re proud to be one of them.

Being an LEI Leader signals progress from promise to practice. It means our community meets earlier-tier benchmarks and has adopted best practices across resident services, employee benefits and policies, and resident and community engagement.

While recognition is important, daily follow-through is what counts. At Beatitudes Campus, inclusion shows up in how we communicate, program, hire, train and support residents, team members and visitors.

LEI 101: Measuring What Matters for LGBTQ+ Residents and Staff

The LEI index is a national benchmarking tool created by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and SAGE. Its purpose is to help long-term living and senior housing communities deliver consistent, equality care for LGBTQ+ residents, staff and families.

Many communities want to be inclusive yet may be unsure how to build gender-affirming, discrimination-free policies. The LEI provides a road map built on four pillars that measure inclusion. Together, they form a framework for delivering equality care:

Non-discrimination and staff training: Clear protections for LGBTQ+ residents and staff paired with training that turns policy into everyday practice.
Resident services and support: Person-centered policies, tools and culture that affirm identity and dignity.
Employee benefits and policies: Equal treatment for LGBTQ+ employees, including access to inclusive health-related benefits. Explore job opportunities.
Resident and community engagement: Visible outreach, partnerships and programming that demonstrate commitment inside and beyond the community. Read: Where Pride Meets Community.

Guided by Equality Index: Moving Forward With Intention

Earning the LEI designation shows that Beatitudes Campus has made intentional choices to ensure LGBTQ+ residents, staff and visitors feel valued. You’ll see it in inclusive marketing, welcoming programming, equitable policies and ongoing training.

You’ll also experience it in how we invite dialogue and encourage participation across campus. We view the state equality index as an additional context for understanding policy environments, and we use it to inform our efforts to keep moving forward.

Kelly Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, thanked participating communities for taking inclusion seriously. “Their work sends a powerful message: LGBTQ+ people deserve to age with dignity, safety and pride in communities that see and understand who they are,” she said.

“The best care is found in communities that embrace our full humanity and lived experiences, from residents to staff and visitors.” Her words echo what so many families want: reliable support in a place that recognizes the whole person.

Why It Matters: From Stigma to Support

It’s easy to understand why this work is essential. Many LGBTQ+ older adults have navigated stigma for decades. About 4.5% of Americans age 50+ (roughly 2.6 million people) identify as LGBTQ+. Even with greater visibility, LGBTQ+ older adults have often been overlooked by aging services, which can lead to care gaps. An AARP study found that 85% fear discrimination based on sexual orientation when seeking support, and many feel pressure to conceal their identity to access services.

Across the country, 274 long-term care communities in 33 states are participating in the LEI. The LEI index helps providers evaluate where they are, set next steps and track progress. It’s designed to support all LGBTQ+ older adults, paying particular attention to those who may face additional barriers, including LGBTQ+ elders of color, transgender older adults and those in rural areas. As more communities engage with the equality index, the network of inclusive options expands, providing families with clearer guidance and better choices.

See LEI in Action: Visit Beatitudes Campus

For residents and families, the LEI designation signals our community has built structures that help people feel welcome and supported. It’s also a commitment to keep learning and improving. That’s the spirit of the LEI and the promise we make to those who call Beatitudes Campus home.

We invite you to experience these principles in daily life — at events, in conversations with residents and team members — and across programs that foster connection. The LEI recognition affirms what our community strives for: a place where people can be themselves and expect consistent, equality care.

Discover how Beatitudes Campus champions inclusivity, diversity and community for all. Call (602) 833-1358 or visit with us.