Heritage Hill Senior Community is gearing up for its first graduating PEER class.

The personal care home in Weatherly is the first in Carbon County to introduce Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Residents program, which gives residents the knowledge and training to help other residents by being advocates.

The training program was overseen by Ombudsman Leona Titman, who conducted five sessions for the four residents who chose to join PEER. PEERs also advise the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman on the issues affecting all of Pennsylvania’s long-term care residents.

Titman said the group spoke about roles within the facility, respect of others, residents’ rights and not being a bully, confidentially and more.

“It taught us a lot during COVID because we weren’t allowed in the facilities,” Titman said. “If you have a PEER presence, they can interact with the ombudsman and we can go back and forth to find out what is going on. It’s very important. It teaches them to be self-resolute.

“This is their home and it should be treated as such.”

The residents who were involved agreed.

Helen Dziak said she joined because “There are some people who must need help so I am doing it to help my fellow residents.”

“I was a former schoolteacher so I am just interested,” Elizabeth Schultz said. “I’m always open to learning new things.”

“I’m just glad to be involved,” Dorothy Denke said.

The three women, as well as John Collings, will graduate from the program at 10:30 a.m. on June 29 in front of friends and family.