This
week, Harborside Healthcare is “treasuring our elders.”
Mother’s Day marked the beginning of a week-long, annual
celebration for those residents and staff of the nation’s
nursing homes.
May 13 through 19 is National Nursing Home Week and “Treasure
Our Elders” is this year’s theme.
The week of celebration is promoted by the American Health Care
Association and the Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities
(KAHCF).
Teresa Perry, who is the Director of Activities at Harborside,
said the staff always recognizes National Nursing Home Week.
She said the facility itself must decide how to celebrate it.
This year, the week kicked off with a recognition of Mother’s
Day on Sunday, with cards made for the residents by students
at the primary school. Monday night at 5 p.m. there was a silent
auction and fish fry, with karaoke.
“We usually have a full week,” Perry said.
On Tuesday, residents were “pampered” and some participated
in a “pretty legs” contest.
Today at 2:30 is a beauty contest for seniors 75 and older.
Perry said residents enjoy this week every year.
“They look forward to it,” she said.
According to a press release from KAHCF, “This week raises
awareness of nursing facilities and is also a vehicle for celebrating
the exceptional care providers, volunteers, families and others
from the community who provide dedicated, compassionate care
services to our most venerable seniors and persons with disabilities.”
While Perry said some planning for the events varies from year
to year, they usually start planning several months in advance.
“It’s a lot of work for the staff,” she said.
Tomorrow, Harborside will host an ice cream social, with entertainment
by the Sweet Owen Stringers.
There are luncheons planned for volunteers and staff, as well
as games throughout the facility, including a treasure hunt.
A “Pirate Duck Run” will be held to benefit this
year’s Relay for Life. Harborside has a team in this year’s
event.
The week concludes with another ice cream social and cookout
on Friday. A petting zoo will be at the facility as well.
“We (plan) what we think residents will enjoy the most,”
Perry said.
