Seniors at Holy Redeemer St. Joseph Manor graduate from PEER Program

Meadowbrook, PA--Holy Redeemer St. Joseph Manor held a graduation for nine of their residents from the PEER Program (Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents), a concept to train resident advocates to work from the inside with facilities, staff, and residents to enhance the quality of care and quality of life for their peers. These long term care residents have volunteered their time and expertise to self-advocate issues that will resonate for their peers.

 
The program is coordinated through Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services Ombudsman Program. The residents participated in a five two-hour training sessions. The PEER program helps residents negotiate issues, communicate with the staff, work with resident council issues, address confidentiality, and how to report issues.

Graduates were awarded a certificate, starfish pin, door sign, PEER shirt and an engraved name badge all part of the PEER graduate’s uniform.

Cathy Nakonetschny, MSW, Lead Social Worker says that “the program benefits the residents of Holy Redeemer St. Joseph Manor by giving them the opportunity to advocate for themselves and for the other residents of St. Joseph Manor. Long term residents often feel that when they enter a facility, they lose their independence and their sense of purpose. The PEER program empowers these residents to not only voice their concerns but also work with the facility in addressing those concerns. The PEER program has allowed residents to foster positive change within the community.”

With an emphasis on providing a continuum of care, Holy Redeemer Health System remains true to the mission to care, comfort and heal that its sponsor, the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer began in our region in 1924-to provide high quality, compassionate care.

Today, Holy Redeemer offers a wide range of healthcare and health-related services, including an acute care hospital, home health and hospice services, two skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, a retirement community, low-income housing, an active living community, and a transitional housing program for homeless women and children. With corporate offices in Huntingdon Valley, PA, Holy Redeemer Health System is a Catholic healthcare provider, serving southeastern Pennsylvania and 11 counties in New Jersey, from Union County south to Cape May County.