Editor’s note: This article was submitted by the nursing home staff at Green Hill Manor Nursing Facility in Greensburg, Ky.
Deep in the heart of Kentucky lies Green Hill Manor, a Resident Centered Care nursing home—which had ONE ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS National Nursing Home Week!
Green Hill used a cruise theme for the whole week, with the front lobby of the building decorated as a cruise ship welcoming area. Residents, families and employees in each neighborhood made the decision on what port stop to be and brought all kinds of decorations. Associates, residents and families tried to dress for each port and brought vacation pictures—with a smile on.
Monday was considered "Set Sail Day" as everyone decorated and prepared their port stop. There were numerous announcements made about lifeboat drills and where to get seasickness pills. Everyone was encouraged, after a "high roller" morning to get out on "deck" and enjoy the sunshine and the breeze off the ocean and the beauty of the sunlight glinting on the aqua blue water—just like diamonds!
Patchwork Landing chose the San Diego Zoo, and their port stop with party was on Wednesday. Large taxidermied animals, such as an albino deer, were displayed—along with a huge aquarium. Sunshine Patch portrayed Hawaii with their Luau on Thursday, while Hummingbird Lane (right next door) decorated for Florida Keys and had their party on Thursday also. Paradise Cove chose Mexico as their port stop, having everyone in for "Mosquitos" (a fruit drink) on Tuesday. Crabapple Court chose as their theme "Texas," having their party on Tuesday right after Mexico. In Serenity Springs, the realistic decorations of the Australian Outback caused many oohs and aahs as they partied on Wednesday evening. Sugar Maple Way had Jamaica as their theme and everyone "Macarenaed" on Friday. Each day in succession, the residents, associates and families partied more freely so that Friday's Jamaican party was one big laugh, with lots of exercise for all.
Some of the activities involved in the port stops, such as Hawaii and the Keys, were walking in a children's swimming pool filled with sand (or dangling feet from a wheelchair), watching a vacation video of some of the most popular beaches in the world, blowing bubbles (soap bubbles) to the tune of "Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho at the Hawaiian party. They played ring toss on the dolphin at the zoo party and drew animals on balloons with colored markers—prizes were given to all. Besides the Macarena, the chicken dance was learned as well as forming a bit of a conga line in Jamaica (and everyone was encouraged to kiss "King Fish"). On Tuesday in Mexico the Spanish Club sang Spanish songs and danced, while giving out flowers—all in costume.
While all the noon meals were prepared to match the cruise stop for the day and snacks were served at each party, they also enjoyed a Family Night Cookout on Thursday evening—with good ol’ American hamburgers and hot dogs being the main dish.
To accomplish all of this wonderful "fun," many family members showed up to help, along with lots of off-duty employees. Greensburg is a rural community and lacks in many attractions that big cities can boast, but Green Hill Manor has never lacked in love and enthusiasm. They are "family," and Resident Centered Care goes hand-in-hand with the nursing home’s long-term objectives.
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