It takes a special person to love and care for senior citizens in their last years, as Lona Peters has been doing as a certified nurse's aid at Concordia Lutheran Ministries for 22 years.

Peters, a resident of Connoquenessing, said she views those she cares for as if they were her own parents or grandparents, who she would want to be looked after in the best way possible.

“I enjoy the family aspect of it,” Peters said. “I enjoy my residents and listening to their stories of adventures or ups and downs through the years.”

She always tries to provide that little special something to her residents, whether braiding or curling a patient's hair or fixing an occasional milkshake for someone with a sweet tooth.

Working with the same residents for an extended time provides the hints that allow Peters to go those few extra inches to make a patient smile.

“Working as an aid, you have so much hands-on time with your patients that you know them like the back of your hand,” Peters said.

Knowing the birthdays, favorite colors and preferred ice cream flavors of her patients comes in handy when they are feeling sad or isolated.

And those extra touches are not unnoticed by her residents.

“All the residents always tell us 'You have a special place in heaven,'” Peters said.

She also enjoys working for Concordia.

“I just think that they always put their residents first,” Peters said. “It's a very clean environment, and they do lots of activities and events for the residents.”

She said during the annual employee appreciation week, Concordia employees enjoy a different treat or snack every day for a week.

At Christmas, Concordia holds a 12-day giveaway for employees, who receive small gifts.

“It's kind of a little thank you,” Peters said. “It shows some appreciation and it's a nice way to say thank you to the staff for their good, hard work and being there for the patients.”

Peters' daughter received a scholarship from Concordia, and between that and a 4-H scholarship, she paid nothing for her two years of education at Butler County Community College.

“That's a great opportunity most people don't think about,” Peters said.

She also enjoys her coworkers and hearing about their families and activities.

After more than two decades as an aid at Concordia, Peters is older than most of her colleagues.

“A lot of them say 'You're our work Mum,'” she said.