Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Care Dimensions

Death doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care about your race, color, creed, whom you love, or your gender identity.

Working in hospice, we care for and support individuals and families facing death every day. Regardless of their differences, these people we care for are just that: people. They are human beings who deserve to face death with dignity and without prejudice.

Care Dimensions employees are compassionate and see each patient as a person first. This core value is part of what makes us strong and helps us relate to each other, but it is not enough. We must do everything we can to make our workforce more diverse and ensure that our employees who identify with minority groups feel represented.

A recent survey found that staff members view diversity as a strength and want resources to help address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The survey followed listening sessions with six small focus groups of employees from throughout the company. Employee input helped guide us in setting a course for DEI at Care Dimensions, including training, easily accessible materials, and opportunities to share feedback.

Our newly formed Diversity Council is reviewing the employee survey findings and engaging experts on our staff who can help develop DEI materials. Kari Heistad, CEO of Culture Coach International, presented “Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community” to our Leadership Group. It covered terms that can help staff improve interactions with patients, families, and co-workers.

Care Dimensions has long supported issues and policies aimed at DEI, but we know there is more we can do, and we are committed to an increased focus on DEI initiatives, which will help make our organization even stronger.

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About the author
Kristine DiFiore is Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Care Dimensions.