Championing change: Resident advocates gather for PEER workshop
On Thursday, May 23, the Philadelphia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (PLTCOP) held a PEER Workshop and Lunch at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event welcomed approximately 25 residents and staff members from various nursing facilities, including Inglis House, Tucker House, Delaware Valley Veterans Home, Roosevelt Facility and Immaculate Mary Facility.
The workshop began with opening remarks from Kandy Schreffler, Pennsylvania state ombudsman, and Lynda Pickett, PCA’s assistant director of volunteer services. Their words underscored the importance of advocating for older adults, a mission central to the PEER program.
The training included volunteer testimonies and scenario discussions, which provided invaluable insights and better prepared the resident advocates for their roles. Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents (PEER) program trains long-term care residents to self-advocate and empower their peers, aiming to enhance the quality of life and care within their communities. The event was a testament to the residents’ bravery and commitment to improving their living conditions and making their voices heard in the broader aging conversation.
We extend our gratitude to all participants and look forward to continued collaboration in supporting the needs and rights of older adults in long-term care facilities.
