This past week, May 8-14, marked a special time for the skilled nursing industry: National Nursing Home Week. A quick search will reveal nursing homes across the country taking a step back to reflect on the roles they play in improving the lives of our employees, residents, and patients. Our approach, however, was a little more active. Across the nation, the staff at Consulate Health Care dedicates their time, energy, patience, and love to our residents, but since we couldn’t possibly fit the celebrations of every care center into one post, we’re going to share what one care center did to make National Nursing Home Week a celebration for everyone.

National Nursing Home Week at Milton Health Care“We wanted this week to focus more on the entire facility than just a few individuals,” said Brian Freedman, the administrator of Consulate’s Milton Health Care in Milton, MA. “This week is about everyone here at Milton.” Rallied around the idea of using the week as an opportunity to bring everyone together, the administration staff set out to plan a week of fun and fellowship. The goal was to choose events that encouraged interdepartmental engagement among staff, administration, and residents. Nurses participated in activities with administration, and residents had “meet and greets” with faculty they may not normally see or work with. “We wanted the residents to know who is there for them,” Brian said. The families of our employees, residents, and patients were also invited to the events giving them the opportunity to spend quality time together and get to know the staff that is taking care of their loved ones.

But when Milton says their celebration is for everyone, they mean it. In addition to the employees, residents, patients, and their families, they also created an opportunity for the community to see what National Nursing Home Week is all about. On Friday, local police and firemen were invited to attend the Country-Western BBQ, an event chock full of savory meats and comfort food favorites. “This week is a big celebration to get people involved and especially make it fun for Milton and the community,” Brian said. Here’s just a glimpse of the other fun activities Milton planned for National Nursing Home Week:

  • Sunday was a Mother’s Day celebration where all the female residents received carnations to celebrate motherhood and to recognize all the mothers in the center.

 

  • Monday was 1950’s themed day where residents and staff dressed up in a classic 50s style, with diner staples such as root beer floats and pies served throughout the event.

 

  • Tuesday was “Dog Show” day and five adorable dogs visited Milton to spend quality time with all the residents who “absolutely loved” having them around.

 

  • On Wednesday, residents broke out their ugly sweaters for “Mismatch Clothing” day with one lucky resident winning the prize for “best worst dresser.”

 

  • Thursday was an ode to the grooviest decade with a 70’s theme day where residents wore their homemade tie-dye t-shirts while they moved and grooved to local performer, John Kelly.

 

  • Everyone was encouraged to dress (and act!) country-western for Friday’s outdoor occasion to bring the community together and celebrate National Nursing Home Week.

Milton wanted National Nursing Home Week to encourage engagement and inclusivity for residents, families, friends and their community. It was an enjoyable week that offered plenty of opportunities for everyone from Milton Care Center and community to spend quality time with one another. The events were a creative way to show respect, admiration, and thanks to our nursing home families, we applaud the originality of celebration held by Milton Health Care for National Nursing Home Week!

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