'Treasure Our Elders' theme for National Nursing Home Week

'Treasure Our Elders' was the 2007 theme for National Nursing Home Week held May 14 to 18. The American Health Care Association established the weeklong celebration in 1967.

Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau scheduled a carnival day with dunk tank, pajama day, 1950s day and sports day. The last day ended with a barbecue for staff and residents with a free car wash by administrative staff for staff members.

Activity director Elizabeth Erbs said, "National Nursing Home Week gives the residents opportunities to experience new things and sometimes relive part of their childhood. Having the dunk tank was something new to the residents and facility. Introducing new activities is always exciting to the residents. This week gave the staff and residents new ways of interacting and can bring lots of smiles and good times to both staff and residents. The residents are already discussing new ideas for next year."

Cape Girardeau's Fountainbleau Lodge celebrated in its own way with casino, Hawaiian, hillbilly farm and country fair days, along with a '50s day. From card tables and slot machines to snow cones and pie-eating contests, residents were entertained, amused, challenged and indulged with their favorite music.

Residents at Jackson Manor enjoyed a week full of special activities including a king and queen crowning party, a tasty banana split party, hug-a-day and a volunteer appreciation party. Special singing groups provided entertainment. Honorees at the volunteer appreciation party were Paul Graham, Sally Tierney, Patty Bell, Country Travelers and Gospel Singers, Jackson Trail of Tears Mission, New McKendree United Methodist Women, Mary & the K's, Oak Ridge Homemakers FCE, Carole Jo Byrd, Happy Four, Imogene Seabaugh, Ilean Clippard, Don Welker family, Jim Hartmann, Pet Pals, Classy Chassy, the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer, the Rev. John Rice, the Rev. Jimmie Corbin, Dennis Mayfield, Bob Loos, Gladys Lawrence, Immaculate Conception Church, Midwest Pickers, Faye Burchett, Josh Steinnerd, Jackson Middle School, Stephanie Martin and the service learning class, Elsie Boren, Kenny Loos and Becci Pittman.

At Heartland Care and Rehab's pajama day, an activity held to celebrate National Nursing Home Week, staff members, back from left, Janice Gatzemeyer, Chantel Mouser and Melissa Jones celebrated with resident Carl Bailey, front center. (Submitted photo)

Heartland Care and Rehab Center in Cape Girardeau joined a national campaign to advance excellence and raise the bar for health care. Administrator Glenda Cato said, "This campaign's goal is to improve quality of care and quality of life in America's nursing homes. At Heartland Care and Rehab Center our residents depend on us. We are always looking for ways to keep them healthier and happier."

Activities celebrated during National Nursing Home Week changed daily, and a barbecue was held to help raise money for residents and employees to attend a Cardinals game. Cardinal T-shirt day and Heartland spirit day reflected the facility's interests, and a time to recognize dedicated service was celebrated with certificates of appreciation and restaurant gift certificates to staff. Longtime staff members Sandy Crites, 36 years; Linda Gohn, 29 years; and Phyllis Mayfield, 23 years, were among those recognized.

cpagano@semissourian.com

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