Once a year, always starting on Mother’s Day, care centers nationwide take pride in publicly honoring the indomitable spirit of residents and recognizing staff who face each day with a sense of purpose and compassion.
This year’s theme, "It’s a Small World With a Big Heart," underscores the bond between staff, older adults and individuals receiving therapies or with developmental disabilities.
Staff and residents view each other in the spirit of family. For our staff, this reality is often a calling to a special mission and life’s work.
This year Annandale Care Center kicked off the week with a "Funfair," or carnival, for our seniors with the help of the Key Club students from Annandale High School.
The Care Center also had a very rare occasion where we were lucky to have two centurions celebrating May birthdays! Ethel Fobbe turned 101 and Edna Sweet turned 100.
What is their secret to longevity?
"I’ve always loved music and dancing," said Sweet.
"Good clean living," said Fobbe, adding that "I guess God just isn’t ready to take me yet."
Needless to say, special music was in order for our special week, and birthday celebrations included music by Richard Erickson and Greg Anderson, a duo from "Rich and the Resistors."
Other special programs during the week included "Win It In a Minute," music therapy, a 4H Talent Show and more. The facility also held a daily open house May 9-13. Daily Wellness Center drawings were held for one week free membership.
Linda Schmitz is Activities Director at the Annandale Care Center.