By J.R. Tidwell

Editor

Residents, patients, caregivers and visitors gathered at Hatley Health Care in Clanton on May 14 for a balloon release that served to kick off a weeklong celebration at the facility as part of national Skilled Nursing Facility Week.

Mechelle Jackson, the activities director at Hatley, said the week was formerly known as National Nursing Home Week. This year, the week runs from May 13 through May 19.

“The name just changed this year,” Jackson said. “This week is to celebrate the employees, the caregivers, that take care of the residents. We like to include our residents and give them a lot of fun activities to do. [Monday] we are having this balloon release and enjoying being outside. Then, we will celebrate with a reception inside.”

Chilton County Probate Judge Bobby Martin was on hand to read a proclamation on the week before those in attendance let loose of their balloons.

“We honor our seniors and residents of any age that reside in skilled nursing centers,” he said as part of the proclamation. “Skilled nursing centers throughout our area are holding events in observance of National Nursing Home Week, which is May 13 through 19 in 2018. The theme this year is celebrating life’s stories. I urge all citizens to visit a loved one, a family member or friend, and offer a kind word.

“The administration is committed to quality healthcare. We take this moment to embrace the essence of the theme, celebrating life’s stories. Let us have all residents, patients and caregivers, nurses and other staff, volunteers and other visitors join in celebrating this week. Therefore, do I, Bobby Martin, probate judge of Chilton County, declare this week May 13 through 19, 2018, as National Nursing Home Week. A week to honor both our valuable citizens who receive care and the dedicated ones who give them the care.”

Jackson said that each day of the week has a different theme that involves the residents and caregivers dressing up in different outfits.

“[Monday] was Wacky Tacky Day,” she said. “Tuesday is 80s Day. We will have a fashion show and some karaoke. Wednesday is Farm Day. We will do a barnyard carnival. Thursday will be Sports Day, where you can wear your favorite jersey. They will have a little sports show for them with some former athletes. Then Friday we will have a relaxed T-shirt Day, and we end it all with some live entertainment.”

According to Jackson, the weeklong celebration is popular with the residents at Hatley.

“They love it,” she said. “They look forward to [this week] all year. They enjoy this balloon release that sets it all off. Every year, there is a different theme, and this year, it is bringing in the stories the residents have to tell. They tell about things they have done in their life to contribute, and then things we have done to contribute, too. We work together.”