Tidewell Foundation Hosts a Conversation About LGBTQ End-of-Life Planning
The expert-led panel discussion seeks to educate and guide LGBTQ families
In partnership with Equality Florida, the Tidewell Foundation, as part of its Care Redefined Series, is hosting a conversation on LGBTQ end-of-life planning from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26 at Michael’s Wine Cellar (1283 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239). The discussion will be led by a panel of five experts exploring the path for better estate planning, advanced directives, and what to expect from palliative and hospice end-of-care life:
- Kimberly Bleach, senior vice president, Bank of America
- E. “Chip” Gaylor, attorney and partner of Muirhead, Gaylor, Steves and Waskom
- Robert Kuhn, legacy of equality society officer, Equality Florida
- Steven Krause (moderator), senior vice president, Northern Trust
- Neville Sarkari, chief medical officer, Tidewell Hospice
It is estimated that there are currently 3 million LGBTQ Americans age 50 and older, with over 1.1 million that are 65 and older. According to SAGE — the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older people — 9 out of 10 LGBT people surveyed feared discrimination in care settings if providers knew their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Tidewell provides its services to all, regardless of race, creed, culture, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or ability to pay. Tidewell has earned SAGECare’s Platinum certification, its highest credential, and all Tidewell colleagues have completed SAGECare’s competency training and consulting. Additionally, Tidewell offers an LGBTQ grief support group for part-time and full-time residents of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.
To RSVP for the event, email events@tidewellfoundation.org or call 941-552-7546.
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About Tidewell Foundation, Inc.
The Tidewell Foundation, Inc. is an independent 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation established to ensure perpetual philanthropic support to Tidewell Hospice and its family of healthcare companies. Charitable contributions to the Tidewell Foundation sustain and grow the critically important programs and services provided through the not-for-profit mission of Tidewell Hospice and its affiliates. Donor-funded programs offer compassion and comfort to those who need it most in our community by caring for all, regardless of their ability to pay. It starts with generosity and is paid forward with every patient connection, family served and life changed. Discover how each donation strengthens our community; learn more by visiting tidewellfoundation.org.
About Equality Florida
Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. Equality Florida formed in 1997 as Governor Jeb Bush took office and Florida’s state government made a hard turn to the right. Our strong presence in the Capitol since our founding 24 years ago has allowed us to defeat or neutralize dozens of anti-LGBTQ bills since 1997. These bills included efforts to: overturn all local anti-discrimination policies, repeal all safe schools policies, expand Florida’s anti-gay adoption ban, and prohibit domestic partnership benefits and protections. Through lobbying, grassroots organizing, education, and coalition building, we are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
