By Robert Smolin, Extended Care Administrator
New Community Extended Care Facility celebrated Adopt A Resident Day on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Adopt A Resident Day was part Extended Care’s way of marking National Nursing Home Week, May 8 to 14.
This year’s theme for National Nursing Home Week was, “Everyone is family here.” The theme fits quite well with Extended Care’s Adopt A Resident Day, when the staff of ECF invite all NCC employees to spend time with our residents. Adopt A Resident Day has been a long tradition at Extended Care, thanks to Elizabeth Brookins, who has carried on this tradition since she became director of Recreation 24 years ago.
Ms. Brookins coordinated the day’s events, with help from the activities staff, nursing department, social services, business office, admissions, chaplains, dietary, dietitian, housekeeping, maintenance and laundry staff.
During the previous week, all NCC staff were encouraged to sign up and choose several residents to adopt. On Adopt A Resident Day, many of the nursing staff brought home-cooked meals for their residents. Others purchased food from restaurants and some staff purchased gifts, such as clothing, for their residents. This is a significant day for residents as many have no family, friends or significant others to visit them.
Of the 120 residents at ECF, all 120 received a gift and enjoyed a great feast prepared by the staff. One resident said to me, “It was a wonderful day and I had such fun.”
Ms. Muobo Enaohwo, the Assistant Director of Property Management for New Community, participated by purchasing some pajamas and lotions for her resident. Ms. Enaohwo said that the day has a very positive impact both on the residents and staff. “It was a great day to volunteer your time for the residents of the facility,” she said. She plans on continuing to visit the resident throughout the year. As Administrator, I would like to thank all the ECF and NCC staff who participated in this great tradition.