Nursing Home Week is celebrated every year in May and offers an opportunity for nursing home administrators, employees, medical staff and residents around the country to celebrate observances that focus attention on nursing homes. Nursing Home Week kicks off, appropriately enough, on Mother's Day every year. Many nursing homes are members of the American Health Care Association, which offers a theme and events each year.
Family Gatherings
Nursing homes provide a safe and caring environment for elders who require daily or special-needs care. Such care is often described as nurturing, so include the entire community in activities that celebrate such nurturing. Nursing homes may celebrate by inviting extended family members of residents to visit and engage in events like barbecues, carnival-like games and "Remember when" storytelling. Interaction between all generations among family members is the goal of such gatherings and provides stimulating activities for all.
Victory Garden
Give seniors of varying capabilities something to do that helps them feel productive while offering visible rewards. To kick off Nursing Home Week, plot and plant a vegetable or flower garden (or both) at your facility. Residents can sign up to help care for the garden for months to come, weeding, watering, plucking and nurturing the products of their labor for use in the dining room and throughout the nursing home. They'll love the chance to get outside, and the facility will benefit from the bounty of such gardens.
Entertainment
Nursing Home Week can provide opportunities for outdoor excursions and field trips as well as a plethora of indoor entertainment. Invite local entertainers such as actors, magicians, singers and community leaders to speak with or perform for residents. Offer special "movie nights" (or days) with a choice of old favorites. Play music from eras gone by. Give the event the proper ambiance - a red carpet, dressing up and drinks and snacks that can turn just another night into a fund and remembered event.
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