Greetings from “The Home” front …

Even though our residents are still confined to their rooms, all our staff have been going above and beyond to help make their days more pleasant. Thank you everyone for your dedication.

We have a new exercise video entitled “Music in Motion” that has been a big favorite. The exercises are easy so that anyone can do them, plus they are very beneficial. And the tunes are ones that our residents recognize. After exercises, the residents celebrated with a Pumpkin Day Social on Monday that included Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Pumpkin Muffins – the lattes were a big hit as many of the residents had never had one. Topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, they were a spectacular treat. Move over Starbuck – you’ve got competition! ChiChi read the newscurrents on Tuesday and Nancy played Name That Tune both on Channel 98 our in-room TV station. It was time for jokes on Thursday morning, followed by Pretty Nails in the afternoon. Pastor Deb continues to lead church services on Fridays and we celebrated an Oktoberfest Happy Half Hour later in the day. The staff also continues to bring magazines, newspapers, word search puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and coloring pages to our residents.

Another big hit has been Hallway Karaoke with ChiChi. The residents have enjoyed hearing the music and singing along to their favorite tunes. We have also played “BuzzWord,” had Bible Study, Orange Floats and played Trivia. Next week, on October 30th, we will have a Halloween Festival. Staff are encouraged to wear costumes and we hope to have a parade through the hallways. Our pumpkin decorating contest is also in full swing and we have some fun (and funny) entries – we hope to bring the residents down individually to view the pumpkins and then vote for their favorite.
This coming Monday – October 26th is a very special day for two very special people – Vi and Walter Rindy are celebrating their 74th wedding anniversary. Congratulations and best wishes to both of you – you are truly amazing!!!

There are no resident birthdays this week and only one Sun Center resident has a birthday – Barb Gilbertson on October 27th. Only two staff birthdays to finish out the month – Carol Lande on October 24th and Leslie Zapata on October 31st. Happy Birthday to all of you and enjoy your special day!

We have been dealing with much sadness this past week with the death of four of our residents. Margaret Gunderson passed away on October 15th. Margaret enjoyed coming to all of our activities whether it be music, crafts or crosswords – Margaret was always there with a smile on her face. Delores Holden passed away October 16th. Delores enjoyed visits from staff, reminiscing and listening to music in her room. Linda Anderson passed away October 16th. Linda was a long-time resident of LMH and she called this her “home”. Linda was with us for 15 years and enjoyed all the activities from story time to rhythm band to crafts. She especially enjoyed dancing at the musical events. Norann Carter also passed away on October 16th. She enjoyed visits from family and staff, coloring, listening to music and hearing devotions. Rest in Peace all you lovely ladies – you will be missed.

Until next time … a thought for the week from Abraham Lincoln… “Whatever you are – be a good one”. Make it a great week everyone and please, Please, PLEASE WEAR A MASK!!!