Throughout life, love can come at us fast and stay for ages. National Nursing Home Week ® begins on Mother’s Day, May 11 and continues until May 18, 2008. Many nursing home residents are the people who planted the seeds that have made our community grow stronger. They have been the teachers, the business people, the parents and other central figures who produced all of the good things that we now enjoy. This week gives us a chance to honor these special residents, as well as the families, staff, volunteers, and community.

National Nursing Home Week®, is a special week where residents, caregivers, families, staff and volunteers honor and celebrate nursing facility life. This year’s theme is “Love is Ageless” and is a perfect time to visit your loved ones, friends, and neighbors as many facilities will be holding special events. If you are unable to visit, please make a phone call, send a card, flowers or even an email–this special attention will make someone’s day. Take this time to reach out and let someone very special know that you are thinking about them now and throughout the year.

If you are not a regular visitor you might find the brochure, “Tips on Visiting Friends and Relatives,” helpful. It covers such things as planning for the visit, visits outside the facility and who should visit. This brochure is available free by calling 1-800-628-8140 or at www.LongTermCareLiving.com.

I have been a member of the Long Term Care Community for almost 20 years and the changes I have seen are many.  However, one thing remains constant and that is the dedication and loving care the professional caregivers exhibit day after day.  Elderly care in a congregate living facility is hard work.  The US Department of Labor counts it among the most stressful and potentially health threatening due to exposure and the physical demands.  The pay is low and the hours long.  We are fortunate indeed to have the thousands of caring folks who give their best daily to take care of the frail and elderly.

Tags: N, NACL, national nursing home week. AHCA, nursing home

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