Bella Villaggio: Proud to Be a SAGECare Certified Community

Sep 24, Alissa Sauer

At Bella Villaggio, we’ve always believed senior living should be about more than just care. It should be about connection, respect, and creating a place where everyone truly feels at home. That’s why we’re proud to share that Bella Villaggio is now officially SAGECare certified, a recognition of our commitment to serving all older adults, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, with dignity and understanding.

This certification is a reflection of the values we live by every day: inclusivity, compassion, and meeting each resident exactly where they are.

LGBTQ+ Seniors & Senior Living

According to the Center for Healthcare Strategies, approximately 2.7 million adults aged 50+ identify as LGBTQ+, including 1.1 million aged 65+. By 2060, that number is expected to exceed 5 million. This growing population faces unique challenges as they age: they’re more likely to live alone, less likely to have children or family caregivers, and more likely to worry about discrimination in care settings. In fact, many LGBTQ+ older adults fear that moving into a retirement community could mean hiding who they are – again.

That’s why inclusive, culturally competent senior living communities are more important now than ever before.

Communities like Bella Villaggio, which have earned SAGECare certification, play a critical role in addressing these needs by creating a welcoming environment where LGBTQ+ seniors feel safe, respected, and supported. As the LGBTQ+ senior population continues to grow, so does the need for senior living options that understand and celebrate the diversity of aging.

What is SAGECare?

SAGE is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting LGBTQ+ older adults. For more than 40 years, SAGE has worked so that LGBTQ+ seniors can age with the respect, dignity, and support they deserve.

Through their SAGECare program, SAGE offers training and credentialing to senior living communities like ours, helping team members become equipped to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ older adults. More than raising awareness, SAGE provides meaningful education, policy development, and creates truly inclusive communities where everyone can feel at home.

“This process really reinforced what we already strive for every day,” said Eloiza Castellanos, General Manager of Bella Villaggio. “We want every person who walks through our doors to feel welcome, respected, and celebrated for who they are. The SAGECare training gave us more tools and awareness to deliver on that promise.”

Earning this certification takes commitment and intention. The process involved several key steps that helped us grow as a team and as a community:

Cultural competency training for our staff

We know that providing exceptional care begins with understanding. That is why more than 80% of our team members, from leadership to frontline staff, completed in-depth training designed to build awareness and empathy around LGBTQ+ aging. This education covered everything from respectful, inclusive language to understanding the historical and generational experiences that shape our residents’ lives today.

Ongoing support and accountability

This certification is not something you get and forget. SAGECare consultants worked closely with us to review our policies and day-to-day practices, offering insight and guidance so that we foster an environment that feels safe, welcoming, and affirming for everyone who calls Bella Villaggio home.

A commitment to inclusivity

Inclusivity is not a one-time achievement. It is a continuous journey. That is why our SAGECare certification comes with the understanding that we will keep building on what we have learned. Through annual updates, refresher training, and an openness to feedback, we remain committed to meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors today and into the future.

Why It Matters

For many LGBTQ+ seniors, finding a place where they can live authentically and comfortably hasn’t always been easy. According to SAGE, more than half of LGBTQ+ older adults feel they would have to hide who they are in a senior living setting. Nearly 90% believe discrimination exists in long-term care facilities, and 20% have avoided medical care entirely because of fear of mistreatment or bias.

Many LGBTQ+ seniors also face added risks of social isolation and economic insecurity. They are twice as likely to live alone and four times less likely to have children, often leaving them with smaller support networks as they age. They are also more likely to experience poverty and housing insecurity, which can make finding affirming care even more challenging.

We’re proud to be part of changing that. At Bella Villaggio, earning our SAGECare certification is more than a credential. It’s a promise to our residents, their families, and our community that Bella Villaggio is, and always will be, a place where everyone belongs.

Our team walked away from this process with a greater understanding of the unique challenges LGBTQ+ seniors face. We gained empathy for the courage it takes to age authentically. And we gained excitement to show up every day for the incredible people we serve, creating a senior living experience where everyone feels seen, valued, and celebrated for who they are.

At Bella Villaggio, inclusivity is more than an idea. It’s how we care in practical and tangible ways.

Come See the Difference

We’re thrilled to be recognized for our commitment to inclusivity, but the real reward is knowing our residents feel safe, respected, and at home here.

If you’d like to learn more about what makes Bella Villaggio a truly welcoming and award-winning independent living, assisted living, and memory care community, we’d love to show you around. Schedule a tour, meet our team, and experience the warmth and care that set us apart.

Contact us today to learn more!