Everyone has heard of the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” but May symbolizes more than the rebirth of our flowers—it also celebrates God’s gift of life. Established in 1967 by the American Health Care Association, National Nursing Home Week will start on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2007.
Nursing homes within the Peoria area will host a series of events designed to enrich the relationships and contacts between our residents, youth, community members, family and staff. The theme for this week is “Treasure our Elders” and OSF Saint Clare Home will do just that!
Many residents at OSF Saint Clare Home are the people who planted the seeds that have made our community grow stronger. They are the teachers, the business people, the parents and other central figures who produced all of the good things that we now enjoy. Since I have been an administrator here at OSF Saint Clare Home I have observed that our staff has so much to give, as we share our tender mercies with our residents each day with the greatest care and love. It only makes sense to celebrate the fact that we treasure in our hearts each and every elder in our home.
We at OSF Saint Clare Home want to urge you to visit someone you might know in a nursing home this week—and all weeks. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
We hope you will join your area nursing home for fun and meaningful activities. Examples of activities at OSF Saint Clare Home include the following:
- Mother’s Day Tea – Sunday 5/13 at 2:00 p.m.
- Staff and Resident Sing a Long – Monday 5/14 at 2:00 p.m.
- Treasure Toss – Tuesday 5/15 at 2:00 p.m.
- Lloyd Hedges Night of Music – Tuesday 5/15 at 6:30 p.m.
- Treasure our Men Day – Wednesday 5/16
- OSF Saint Clare Family Night – Thursday 5/17 – Our Social Service Director and her assistant are leading our management team in presenting our “Treasure South of the Border” family meal for the residents and their families. The Four Freshman musical group will provide the entertainment and we will recognize our treasured volunteers as well as finish the night crowning a King and Queen of OSF Saint Clare Home. If you plan to join us, please call for reservations. We have a very large attendance for this event every year and we want to make sure we have room for everyone to enjoy.
- Treasure Hunt – weeklong. Event clues are given each day to win a treasure chest full of gold…cash, really.
One final note: if you are unable to visit, please make a phone call or send a card or even flowers—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 her/him now and throughout the year. Remember that you can make such a difference in the lives of the elders by being a volunteer—just call your area nursing home for details. (Special thanks to Herb Ross, Activity Director at OSF Saint Clare Home for his assistance in putting together this month’s column.) IBI
