Entertainment and activities as diverse as a taco luncheon for Cinco de Mayo to visiting an ice cream truck outdoors were on tap at Care One at King James Care Center last week as staff and residents celebrate National Nursing Home Week.
“Our residents like to get together, certainly love parties and special occasions, and we try to accommodate them all,” said activities director Karen Cohen. The Cinco de Mayo luncheon was a big hit, and even included a raffle on a Tequila Basket.”
In observance of Nurses week, celebrated at the same time, the staff also received special gifts, including a special Nurse’s Prayer and got Nursing Survival threat bags..
Mother’s Day is always a special day, Cohen explained, and this year was no different, with a gourmet luncheon and flowers for all the moms.
In observance of National Skilled Nursing Care Week, the residents were happy to see a unique Candy Table for the staff, who also enjoyed a talk on Creating and Nurturing Connections. “The residents get a kick out of special events we have for the staff members,” the activities director continued, “ and little things like a special candy table especially for them gives them something to talk about.” The observance was also celebrated with another special luncheon and entertainment for the residents.
A Breakfast Station was set up for both day and night staff members as well as treats from Jersey Mike’s on May 10. That was when residents competed against residents of Care One in Holmdel in a ZOOM Family Feud game, the first of its kind between the two care centers. (see related story.)
“Bingo is always a must for every week,” Cohen laughed, and for Nursing Care Week, we had a staff facility Bingo complete with a Lottery Wreath for a prize and a Big Bucks Bingo for the residents.”
A Staff Luncheon and a dining room performance for the residents was the penultimate event before the week closed out with a barbecue for both staff and residents, and the ice cream truck visits at the end of the luncheon.
“Our residents are very protective of our staff because they feel so close to them,” said Care One administrator Jimmie King. “They like it when we do something especially for the staff and the applause and cheers they give for the staff activities is a wonderful asset in itself.” The administrator pointed out the close camaraderie among staff and residents, and said special weeks like Nursing Care Week enables them all to show their appreciation for the people who make them comfortable and well cared for in their home .
