Sweet Home Focuses on Socialization and Sharing Wisdom during National Skilled Nursing Care Week

 

May 13, 2020

While the residents of Sweet Memorial Nursing Home have been abiding by the Governor's Directives, the staff has learned to be creative in providing socialization that meets distancing guidelines. From horsing around to requesting cards, blowing bubbles, and celebrating National Skilled Nursing Care Week, the crew at the Home has proven that social distancing doesn't mean isolation. Now, perhaps more than ever, we need to make sure we are checking in with one another and providing support.

To fulfill that mission, members of the SMNH staff put on their thinking caps and came up with some fun activities. One of those activities involved some horsing around. Mandi Filut and her son Jake brought the horses Champ and Missy to the Home for a visit. Even though the residents couldn't come outside to interact with the animals, the horses checked in through the windows. One resident, Janet Olson was thrilled to find such a beautiful visitor outside her window.

Another activity involved the generosity of two youth related to Amber Brown, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at SMNH. Brown is an aunt to Finley and Dylan Dunning of Billings, and young Finley wanted to do something nice for all of the grandmas and grandpas of the facility where she works.

A creative and crafty girl, Finley made a card for each of the Home's residents. When Brown distributed all of the homemade cards, the residents were delighted with the surprise. Bev Brown, Helen Stephens, and Paul Ramberg especially appreciated the Dunnings thoughtfulness.

On one of April's many sunny days, the residents took full advantage of the sun and played with bubbles, which have a track-record for being therapeutic. Besides encouraging deep breathing-which keeps the airways healthy-bubble blowing has other benefits. Taking a bubble break reduces anxiety and releases tension while bringing back positive, stress-relieving childhood memories.

Finally, the residents celebrated April birthdays with root beer floats, wishing happy birthday to Norma Layton, Kristy Naber, Bev Brown, and Frank Sharples.

To help Frank Sharples celebrate his 99th birthday, members of his church brought a card and taped it to his window. It read: "Happy Birthday, Frank; from your Chinook United Methodist Friends." Frank joined the United Methodist Church on March 27, 1932 under the leadership of Reverend Walter Wampler, so this year he celebrated an 88 year anniversary in his church membership as well.

During the week of May 10-16, the SMNH will be celebrating National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), formerly known as National Nursing Home Week. Held annually since 1967 and always beginning on Mother's Day, NSNCW is one of the most important events of the year for nursing homes.

Sponsored by the American Health Care Association, the observance recognizes the role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities. This year's theme for NSNCW is "Sharing Our Wisdom," and the SMNH staff have selected different themes for each day as well as a few surprise activities planned to celebrate their nursing staff. These themed daily events intend to add an air of festivity to the week:

• Sunday-Mother's Day Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Mandi Filut poses with her horse Missy to show what a good girl she is.

• Monday-Pajama Day and Ice Cream Sundaes

• Tuesday-Mexican Fiesta Day and Games

• Wednesday-Western Day, Barbecue, and Farm Animal Visits

• Thursday-Crazy Hair Day and Pizza

• Friday-Luau Day and Pulled Pork

Anyone who would like to donate items that might help the residents to participate in the fun is encouraged to drop them off at the Home's front office.

This year's NSNCW theme, "Sharing Our Wisdom," showcases the insight and collective wisdom that our seniors and those living with developmental and intellectual disabilities can share. The residents at SMNH offer a unique perspective based on their life experiences, reminding us to be present, celebrate the small moments, and value connections.

 
 

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