National Nursing Home Week unfolds
By KAY SEDGMER, Times Leader Staff Writer
POSTED: May 14, 2008
NATIONAL NURSING Home Week kicked off on Mother’s Day and will conclude on Saturday featuring the theme “Love is Ageless.”
The weeklong celebration was established in 1967 by the American Health Care Association (AHCA). Facilities nationwide have planned numerous activities designed to foster intergenerational relationships, collect and preserve patient's reminiscences, strengthen relationships with family members, celebrate quality, and recognize all staff members who demonstrate excellent care giving.
The Ohio Department of Aging and the Office of the Long-term Care Ombudsman are hoping to draw attention to initiatives facility staff and advocates are working on to improve the quality of care and quality of life of nursing home residents throughout Ohio.
Department Director Barbara E. Riley said although there are negative things said about nursing homes, there are many positive stories out there. The partnership between the facility, staff and advocates keep residents and their families engaged in the care of a facility provides. It also give staff effective motivation to provide the best care possible.
Beverly Laubert, the State Long-term Ombudsmen, said nursing homes statewide are embracing a person-centered care philosophy and every person is the primary authority on his or her life. “By giving their residents a voice and then listing to what they have to say, many nursing homes have taken steps to improve quality of life,” she said.
Sunset Health Care, Inc., of Adena has been celebrating all week. According to Activity Director Darlene Griswold, today’s activities will include a 2:30 p.m. concert by Mark Statler. At 3 p.m. on Thursday, Stan the Polka Man will be providing entertainment for residents and visitors to the facility.
In addition, TheraTrust, Inc., on Ohio based rehabilitation therapy staffing company joined with many area Mary Kay consultants to celebrate the celebration.
They provided the “Touch of Love” project to foster relationships across generations to residents at Belmont Manor Nursing Home in St. Clairsville and at Sunset Health Care.
Licensed therapists paired with Mary Kay consultants and high school senior and college students to provide pampering sessions for the nursing home residents.
The concept was developed by Theresa Palkovic, a physical therapist for TheraTrust, and by Stacy Gilson, an executive senior sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. The project ties in with Mary Kay’s endeavor to mentor to young people and TheraTrust’s goal to provide comprehensive care for the elderly.
They hope to develop the program into a monthly event which will hopefully expand to other nursing home throughout Ohio.
More information on AHCA visit www.nnhw.org.
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Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleaderonline.com
