This week (May 10-16) is National Nursing Home Week, an annual celebration sponsored by the American Health Care Association to spotlight nursing home residents and the staff members who help to make a difference in their lives each and every day. Our staff and volunteers are the heart and soul of long-term care and short-term rehabilitation, and their commitment to the well-being of our residents is the impetus for this week-long celebration.
The theme of the National Nursing Home Week this year is “Bring on the Fiesta!” All our staff has a hand in the celebration: Therapeutic Recreation runs special events for families and residents alike; Nutritional Services plans festive meals to carry the theme; and Human Resources plans week-long events to honor our hardworking staff. Regardless of the job description, our staff carries their love for our residents and their specific responsibilities to create an atmosphere of fun and celebration.
Whether it is a member of our medical staff, nursing, rehabilitation, housekeeping, office staff, nutritional services or any other vital group, it takes every single one of our 800+ employees to create the caring and supportive environment that is so important to our residents and their families. Every job is critical, and often unseen or unappreciated by those who do not understand fully the commitment required to dedicate every day to caring for others. When you consider all of the daily tasks and interactions our staff handles, you understand that they deserve accolades every day, not just during the National Nursing Home Week. They are much more than “staff,” they become family to our residents, and this speaks to the level of their caring and concern.
I know I am fortunate to work with such a caring group of professionals. Especially now, during the National Nursing Home Week, I acknowledge the devotion of caregivers in all their roles, and ask you to join me in thanking them for enhancing the lives of our residents and their families in countless ways each and every day.
