b'EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONStrengthening inclusion and belonging in long-term careInsights from Sienna Senior Livings values in actionBy Rahila ChughtaiA t Sienna Senior Living,We start from a place of strength. Weteams that continuously work to our values, Act Positively,are proud to have a diverse workforceimprove care for residents.Be Accountable, Createand to have achieved gender parity at Community, and Demonstrateall levels of leadership, including ourAs an organization, we reflect what Caring, provide the foundation forC-suite. This foundation ensures thatwe hear from our leaders and everything we do. In particular, Createthe steps we take are authentic andfrontline team members in our Community is central to strengtheningconnected to lived experiences acrosscompany-wide initiatives. Small belonging and the impact we have inour organization. actions, like adding pronouns and long-term care. For us, it means trulyland acknowledgements to email seeing and hearing the people aroundIn this article are some guidingsignatures or recognizing when us and treating each other withprinciples weve developed to reflectteam members and residents live our respect. Its about keeping an openour values, along with examplesvalue of Create Community become mind and being curious about otherthat illustrate this work in action. Webuilding blocks for larger cultural shifts.peoples experiences. Thats how wehope this will be useful to others on a build deeper connections within similar journey. Just as important is giving space and our homes. facilitating initiatives when they are Start small, then buildbrought forward. For example, some By living our values and listeningOne of the most effective ways toresidents give talks on Indigenous to our teams, we create the rightcreate a sense of belonging, wherehistory, helping both peers and team environment for inclusion andeveryone feels empowered to domembers better understand the past. belonging to grow organically. Manytheir best and be themselves, is byTeam members have also shared their of our best ideas have come directlysupporting our leaders to facilitateown cultures by bringing traditional from team members who felt safeconversations rooted in Siennasfoods, music or attire into the home, sharing their perspectives. Embeddingvalues. Being honest and transparent,creating opportunities for meaningful these ideas into daily practices hasfostering acceptance, welcomingconnections and dialogue.improved the team member anddiverse perspectives, actively listening, resident experience, while also drivingand being a good neighbour are allWhen we highlight and recognize better outcomes. behaviours that fuel high-performingthese actions, they inspire others and 34 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Fall/Winter 2025'