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The goal of the Parkchester Enhancement Program (PEP) for Seniors is to assist continued community residence of individuals 60 years of age and older, and to enhance their health, quality of life, well being, and independence. To achieve this goal, a variety of services and activities are offered to the community, allowing each individual a point of entry to the program depending upon their needs at a given time. Newly retired residents may look to PEP for recreational or volunteer opportunities, while frail homebound older adults might engage PEP when needing in-home services. Program activities consist of the following:
Case Services. PEP social workers help facilitate issue resolution, disseminate resource information, facilitate referrals to other community service providers, complete application forms for benefit or entitlement programs on behalf of individual clients, and provide continued support. Individual assessments are conducted as needed, including psychosocial, financial, and home safety for the purpose of developing individual service plans.
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Health Services. PEP nurse provides blood pressure screenings, nutritional assessments, arrangement and provision of individual and group health education, arrangement and provision of community health screenings, referrals to medical providers, and assistance in health management issues.
Education. PEP provides ongoing group education on issues that concern older adults such as changes in benefits and entitlements, economic issues, elder abuse awareness, elder law, EPIC, Medicare changes, and local community issues.
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"Without PEP, I would be lost in Parkchester."
- Joyce Thomson on her experience with PEP
(pictured above with PEP Director Kay Boonshoft)
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Group Activities. PEP offers social and recreational activities that foster peer interaction, encourage community involvement, and develop creativity. Examples of activities PEP has provided are Latin dance classes, art programs, creative writing workshops, community gardening, walking club, movies, an intergenerational book club, and yoga.
Volunteer Program. Youth and adult volunteers are recruited and paired with elderly persons for friendly visiting, companionship, and assistance in errands and shopping. Both young and old participate in group activities together which fosters relationships prior to in-home volunteer placement.
For more information on PEP's programs and services, please call (718) 409 -1619.
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