Somerset County PEER Day honors long-term care resident advocates' efforts

Beth Ann Miller, The Daily American
·3 min read

About 40 residents of long-term care communities in Somerset County were encouraged to “Bloom Where You’re Planted” during the first Somerset County PEER Day, held April 27 at the Somerset Church of the Brethren.

The PEERs received a proclamation from the Somerset County Commissioners, spoke to state and local aging officials, were treated to a catered lunch, won door prizes and played Resident Rights Bingo.

Art show: Meandering through artists' eyes: Laurel Arts new exhibit goes 3D

Somerset County PEER Day was planned for April, which was National Volunteer Month, to recognize the county’s PEERs, or Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents, who have been trained to serve as volunteer advocates for residents at their individual communities.

Somerset County PEER members listen as Dorrie Taylor, the state's southwest ombudsman specialist, speaks during Somerset County PEER Day on April 27.
Somerset County PEER members listen as Dorrie Taylor, the state's southwest ombudsman specialist, speaks during Somerset County PEER Day on April 27.

“We’re celebrating that (volunteer month), and the PEERs get to meet each other and share ideas,” said Brenda Nicholas, Somerset County Ombudsman.

'A good neighbor'

PEERs help new residents adjust to their surroundings, and they work with their facility’s administration, staff and other residents to find opportunities that improve the quality of life for all residents. The PEER program is sponsored by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

Somerset County PEERs received gifts during the event, including specially-designed T-shirts, a bookmark, a tote bag and door prizes,
Somerset County PEERs received gifts during the event, including specially-designed T-shirts, a bookmark, a tote bag and door prizes,

Somerset County’s PEER program is active in these long-term care communities: Meadow View Nursing Center, in Berlin; Laurel View Village, in Davidsville; Casselman Healthcare and Rehabilitation (formerly Meyersdale Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center), in Meyersdale; The Patriot, A Choice Community, in Somerset; Somerset Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (formerly Siemon’s Heritage Personal Care Home), in Somerset; and Windber Woods Senior Living and Rehabilitation Center, in Windber.

PEER graduates: Why did these residents at The Patriot receive diplomas?

In 2017, Laurel View Village held the first PEER group graduation, and Windber Woods was the most recent, as their graduation took place on March 30, Nicholas said. Now that those facilities are covered, Nicholas said she plans to form PEER groups in the county’s independent care facilities as well.

Dorrie Taylor, the state's southwest ombudsman specialist, told the PEERs that their work makes a difference, describing their efforts as being “a good neighbor” at their facility.

Dorrie Taylor, the state's southwest ombudsman specialist, told the PEERs how their volunteer service makes a difference at area long-term care facilities.
Dorrie Taylor, the state's southwest ombudsman specialist, told the PEERs how their volunteer service makes a difference at area long-term care facilities.

“It’s your home. It’s where you live, and where you’re safe, and where you get the assistance you need,” she said. “Your place in the community is still the same, you still have the same civil rights and your ability to make a difference is still the same.”

She also shared examples of PEER groups in other counties whose efforts have raised money to complete a community project, or who have organized a successful community service project for their facility or the community at large.

“PEERs know how to get it done,” Taylor said.

To build or not to build: New Dollar General could come to Windber

'Let's make a difference'

She then challenged the PEERs to get their fellow residents to complete a survey urging the state Department of Aging to increase the monthly Personal Needs Allowance, or PNA, for long-term care residents who receive Medicaid or SSI benefits.

The current allowance has not changed since 2007, Taylor said: $45 per month for residents in skilled nursing facilities and $85 per month for residents in personal care homes. That monthly allowance helps residents pay for items such as a haircut, cable television, a cell phone, a newspaper, personal hygiene items, co-pays on medications, clothing, special group outings and other things that are not included in their care plan.

The current allowance “desperately needs to be updated,” she said, and she urged the PEERs to get other residents to complete the PNA survey and make their voices heard in Harrisburg.

“Let’s make a difference in Somerset County,” she said.

For more information about the PEER program or the PNA survey, contact Somerset County Ombudsman Brenda Nicholas at 814-483-6068 or scombudsman@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Local residents honored for their efforts on Somerset County PEER Day