"Treasure Our Elders" theme for the week

By JOSH NEWTON

Nearly half of all Americans will need long-term care at some point in their lives. Furthermore, every eight seconds in America, a baby boomer turns 50.

While the decision to enter a skilled nursing facility can be extremely difficult, the American Health Care Association hopes National Nursing Home Week reminds families to be prepared and to plan ahead to find quality of care.

Forty years ago, AHCA established the first National Nursing Home Week. This year, it began May 13 – Mother’s Day.

“National Nursing Home Week ... is a special week where residents, caregivers, families, staff and volunteers honor and celebrate nursing facility life,” states the NNHW Web site, www.nnhw.org. “This week 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 e-mail – this special attention will make someone’s day.”

Residents at Go Ye Village have celebrated the designation all week, and will continue with activities until Saturday.

“It’s [also] to honor the nursing profession, and the care they give their nursing home patients,” said Go Ye Village Patient Activity Director Penny Miller.

The fun began last Friday with an outlandish, wacky fashion show. Patients took the spotlight to show off a variety of clothing, taking names literally – a “box” jacket was literally made from a box.

Monday was Red, White and Blue day, and residents participated in a balloon launch; Tuesday was Western Day, and Woodall School’s choir sang and clogged for participants; Wednesday was Cinco de Mayo, and residents were offered refreshments during lunch hour.

To keep the week rolling, Thursday will be ‘50s Day, and staff will deliver ice cream treats to its residential units. Friday will be Hawaiian Day; and the finalé, Saturday, will be highlighted by a mini-recital by students from a local dance studio.

Tom Herrian, administrator of the John F. Porter Special Care Center, said the staff at the Go Ye Village unit works with more than its patients.

“Our business is more, not just a patient care, but [working] with families,” said Herrian.

Herrian said it’s a major crisis for families trying to put together all aspects of nursing home care, from legal aspects to living arrangements. Therefore, the staff has to help families work through the process and set up their family members’ futures.

“I think this week is bringing recognition about the need for nursing care, and to pay respect to the people who work in that [area of] care,” said Herrian.

Residents of Grace Living Center on Cherrie Street have participated in special events all week, from Pajama Day, a ‘50s Day lip-sync and a ‘60s Day balloon liftoff and ice cream social.

Activities Director Deneace White said staff and patients alike have been part of the humorous events.

“Thursday is Farmer’s Day, and a second-grade class from Cherokee [Elementary] will plant flowers,” said White. “Friday we have our Staff Olympics – we close off Cherrie Street for the Olympics. It’s quite a site. We’ll top off events Saturday with karaoke by whoever wants to come.”

Norman R., a resident at the Cherrie Street GLC location, describes the atmosphere as like a “family.”

Kathryn M. is extremely pleased with treatment at Grace Living Center.

“It could not be any better,” said Kathryn. “They spoil us. They do everything for us, and my kids do not have to take care of me and can have their own lives.”

Resident Deana J. appreciates not having to be alone; Nancy D. knows the staff can care for all her medical problems; Andrew B. enjoys how well he is fed; and Sharyon H. enjoys the friendly, family-like atmosphere.

Negative stories on TV highlighting nursing home abuse leaves a bad impression for all nursing care facilities, according to Herrian. In fact, he said, the truth is quite the opposite in most nursing homes.

“That’s not the real picture,” said Herrian. “The real picture is that they [nursing home staff] treat patients like they were their own family. It becomes very much so a family, not only with patients, but again, with entire families. A family has to trust in the caregivers, and so we have to build that relationship.”

Contact Josh Newton at jnewton@tahlequahdailypress.com.