Foulkways receives national award

“We expanded the program in 2008 to students from as far away as Korea, so the impact is international.”

—Mary Knapp, director of health services at Foulkeways

LOWER GWYNEDD » Foulkeways at Gwynedd has been selected as the 2018 recipient of Pioneer Network & Rockport Healthcare Services Community Commitment Award in recognition of a program in which aspiring health care professionals study age-related changes by interacting with residents.

An interdisciplinary panel of judges cited the Foulkeways Senior Scholar program as one consistent with Pioneer Network’s vision for “culture change … where elders voices are solicited and welcomed.”

“This is so great,” said Mary Knapp, director of health services at Foulkeways. “It recognizes the purpose and worth of residents who are still connecting, still contributing. We expanded the program in 2008 to students from as far away as Korea, so the impact is international.”

The program draws advanced degree candidates in nursing, physical therapy and social work from Jefferson University, University of Pennsylvania, La Salle College, Temple University and Gwynedd Mercy University, among others. The hands-on, clinical experience provides access to residents, including retired health care professionals.