The American Health Care Association has been sponsoring an annual week-long observation of nursing homes and centers focused on assisted living and short and long-term rehabilitation since 1967.
Originally National Nursing Home Week, the celebration got a new name in 2018 to better reflect the variety of medical care rendered by professionals in the space, as well as the diversity of people receiving long-term care and short-term rehabilitation. The annual spring event, which begins on Mother's Day, is now called National Skilled Nursing Care Center Week.
In May 2023, we marked the week and "Cultivating Kindness" theme with daily fun, food, and fellowship at Willowbend Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Marion. On Superhero Day, our elders and staff transformed into characters like Spiderman, Superman, and Naruto Shippuden, of Anime fame.
We got sporty with a day dedicated to our favorite teams. So many fans showed up and showed out to support the Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia Eagles, and, of course, our state fave: the Arkansas Razorbacks!
The sweetest day came with a cherry on top - a maraschino cherry, to be exact. Refreshing vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams were made even better with a top-tier topping bar. Bananas, gummy worms, and nuts, oh my! There were M&Ms, Reese's Cups & Pieces, too. And sauces like pineapple, hot fudge, caramel, and strawberry made for an ice cream dream. It was truly nostalgic for the seniors to visit over their creative creamy creations at our Ice Cream Social.
On Hippie Friday, the good vibes were vibing as senior ladies donned flower crowns and the men sported tie-dye bandanas. There were some funky sunglasses, bell bottom pants, groovy dresses, go-go boots, and t-shirts with positive messages, like "See the Good" and "Love & Peace." Our Willowbend elders really brought the best of the '60s on this super-fun day.
We're all looking forward to this year's National Skilled Nursing Care Center Week, May 12-18. It'll be here before we know it. Check back to see the fun we'll have with the latest theme: Radiating Memories: a Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio!