Greetings from “The Home” front …

Oh, what a fun week we’ve had! It was Nursing Home Week and a chance to wear crazy costumes, eat yummy food and have a good time with our residents! Monday was Pajama Day and I saw several people in nightgowns, fun pajamas and tops. We sang songs about motherhood and then the ladies enjoyed a Tea Party in honor of women. The activity staff served delicious pastries and finger sandwiches plus tea. The ladies had a great time. Later on, there was a Resident Council meeting and Bingo in the evening. On Tuesday, which was Hawaiian Day, we saw lots of colorful Hawaiian shirts and straw hats. Andrea read Newscurrents in the morning and Lysa played her ukulele for our Luau in the afternoon. We listened to more fun Hawaiian music and enjoyed fresh pineapple and punch. Wednesday was Western Day (hee haw) with checkered shirts, cowboy hats and jeans. Father Bob provided Catholic Mass in the morning and then we had Choir. At Crafts the residents painted butterflies (a sure sign of spring) to hang in their room. During Kitchen Capers our resident cooks made bubble tea with Chichi. Molly went shopping for the residents in the afternoon. We wore our favorite sport team gear on Thursday and the residents solved Riddles in the mornings. There was Pretty Nails and Noodle Ball in the afternoon plus Bingo in the evening. At Decades Day (Friday) we saw everything from poodle skirts, tie dye 60s t- shirts and peace signs to 80s bouffant hairdos. Chris Larson led a Church service in the morning and we had a special musical treat in the afternoon when Larry Charon stopped by to play guitar and sing for us. He always puts on a great show and the residents tapped and clapped! Saturday brings Sit & Be Fit in the morning followed by Bingo and a BASIL Category 5 square game.

Next week we start out with Trivia in the morning followed by a special visit from Miss North Dakota herself, Reyna Bergstrom. Residents enjoyed hearing about her accomplishments and asking her questions. We have a fun activity called Mystery Box Reminisce in the afternoon; Molly brought several vintage items that staff put in a box. Residents will take an item out of the box and have to guess what the item was used for. There is Newscurrents on Tuesday morning and then we celebrate Syttende Mai with lots of music, food and fun. There is Catholic Mass on Wednesday, Name That Tune, and Crafts in the afternoon. Also, Kitchen Capers and Resident shopping. On Thursday Pastor Deb will be here for Bible Study in the morning followed by Pretty Nails and then a “Roll a Dice” game. We have Bingo in the evening. After church on Friday, it will be wonderful to have the American Legion/VFW back to play $$$ Bingo with us. We always fill the dining room with residents looking to play a few fun games of Bingo and win some cash.

Our administrative staff is back from the Long-Term Care Convention in Bismarck. From what I have heard there were some wonderful guest speakers plus an opportunity to reconnect (after a 2-year hiatus) with other long term care staffers from all over the state. A good chance to share ideas!

There are no resident birthdays this week and only two staff members will be celebrating. Jenna Bratlie on May 16 and Grace Lovro on May 21. Happy birthday to both of you and enjoy your special day!

Until next time … a quote from Amelia Earhart … “There is more to life than being a passenger” ….