New Affiliate Initiative: Resident Healthcare Advocate Program
One of our NaCCRA affiliates, the Resident Network at Willow Valley, has been developing a Resident Healthcare Advocate Program—a peer-to-peer model designed to support residents transitioning into supportive living.
The idea is straightforward but powerful: trained resident volunteers partner one-on-one with fellow residents to provide companionship, help navigate day-to-day logistics, and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for families. The role is intentionally non-clinical—advocates don’t provide medical or financial services—but they help with communication, engagement, and continuity during what can be a difficult transition.
Examples of support include:
- Staying in regular contact and reducing isolation
- Helping coordinate visits, activities, and transportation
- Assisting with small but important tasks (menus, correspondence, technology)
- Notifying family of significant changes in condition
- Participating in care conferences when appropriate
The program is still in its early stages, with training and “listening and learning” sessions underway. It was designed and beta-tested by residents themselves, including those with professional backgrounds in healthcare and social services.
There’s an interesting parallel here to “co-pilot” or hospital companion programs some of us have discussed—suggesting a broader opportunity to strengthen resident-to-resident support systems across communities.
Questions for the group:
- Do you have similar programs in your community?
- Where do you see the boundaries between helpful advocacy and overreach?
- Could this model help address gaps in care transitions that many of us continue to experience?
This feels like a promising, resident-driven approach worth watching—and possibly adapting.
Richmond Shreve
NaCCRA Board Member & VP
Forum Moderator