What is the Peer Mentorship Program?
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The Henry B. Betts LIFE Center's Peer Mentorship Program is one way Shirley Ryan 小恩雅 is committed to empowering patients by encouraging them to partner with their healthcare team to make the best choices for themselves and their families. Patients are matched with Peer Mentors who offer guidance, perspective and support based on their own experiences.
Who Are Peer Mentors?
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Peer Mentors include former patients, family members and caregivers who are equipped to share their experiences and support current patients and families in their journeys.
How Can I Get Paired With a Peer Mentor?
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Peer Mentors are available to all persons receiving care from any of Shirley Ryan 小恩雅 sites of service (i.e., In-patient care, Outpatient care, DayRehab, and Alliance sites). If you are interested in being paired with a Peer Mentor, contact Cris Mix, OTR/L, Education Program Manager and Peer Mentor Coordinator, Henry B. Betts LIFE Center, at 312.238.5433 (LIFE) or email cmix@sralab.org.
A LIFE Center team member will help you find a Peer Mentor who shares similar experiences with you, such as condition, age or lifestyle.
What Can I Talk to a Peer Mentor About?
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Anything! Peer Mentors have special training to provide their own lived perspectives, insights and support while incorporating a patient-centered approach. You and your family members are encouraged to ask about your most pressing concerns. Frequently discussed topics include:
- Being your own advocate
- Building and sustaining relationships
- Coping and adjusting
- Getting around and accessibility
- Managing care, equipment and activities of daily living
- Quality of life
- Staying active
- Transitioning to the community
How Can I Become a Peer Mentor?
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If you are interested in becoming a Peer Mentor, contact Cris Mix, OTR/L, Education Program Manager and Peer Mentor Coordinator, Henry B. Betts LIFE Center, at 312.238.6230 or email cmix@sralab.org.
Can Anyone Be a Peer Mentor?
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Time and experience after rehabilitation are key. The LIFE Center recommends potential Peer Mentors to be at least two years into their rehabilitation journey. The LIFE Center team screens and interviews all potential Peer Mentors to find those who have made transitions back to the community. Once confirmed into the program, new Peer Mentors enroll in a formal training program.
The LIFE Center values mentors who have diverse backgrounds, conditions and experiences to help all of our patients with support. Currently, we have more than 35 Peer Mentors of various conditions.
If you become a Peer Mentor, your role will be to use your life experiences to help patients and their families with newer injuries or diagnoses and offer your support. You will listen and provide support based on the unique needs of each person. You will draw from your own experiences to share insight and strategies from a patient’s perspective.
Are Peer Mentors Trained?
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It’s critical for a Peer Mentor to know how to navigate delicate conversations with new patients and to answer from their own lived experiences and perspectives. Training and role-playing with other new Peer Mentors is a vital component to addressing personal and medical conversations without “prescribing” or “advising”.
In addition to the initial training for new Peer Mentors, additional mentoring, coaching and talent development training are offered to experienced Peer Mentors through quarterly in-service programs.
What is the Time Commitment for Peer Mentorship?
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The exact time commitment varies depending on the number of referrals for specific patient conditions. On average, Peer Mentors offer their time for one to three hours per week. Peer Mentors are required to shadow experienced Peer Mentors as part of their initial training, attend two out of four in-services, and attend special events throughout the year that take place during weekday daytime hours.
How Long is a Peer Mentor's Term?
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Due to the training process, the LIFE Center asks Peer Mentors to commit at least one year to the program. However, many Peer Mentors extend their participation far beyond this initial period, with numerous members dedicating over five years to the program.