Certified Older Adult Peer Specialists (COAPS) as Advocates for Recovery-Presentation and Q&A

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar discussed the importance of certified older adult peer specialists in advocating for recovery in older adults with serious mental illness (SMI). It highlighted the work of the Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist Program (COAPS) and how it trains already certified peer specialists to specifically work with older adults. The program aims to prepare a peer workforce to meet the health and wellness needs of older adults with behavioral health challenges and substance use disorders (SUDs). The webinar emphasized the high job satisfaction experienced by peer specialists and the benefits of peer support in improving the quality of life for older adults. It also mentioned the potential of peer support services to be billable under Medicare, although the details and current status of this are unclear. The webinar ended with information on how to get involved with COAPS, host a training, or join the mailing list for more information. Overall, the webinar focused on the importance of peer support in addressing the unique needs of older adults with SMI and promoting their recovery and well-being.

Keywords

certified older adult peer specialists

advocating for recovery

older adults with serious mental illness

Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist Program

training peer specialists

peer support

improving quality of life

peer support services

billable under Medicare

unique needs of older adults