Busy Week Includes Chinese Auction, Luau, Health Fair and Flower Power
| Contacts: | Kathi Linsley
Therapeutic Recreation Manager
412-422-6919 | Judy Fockler
Social Services Supervisor
412-422-6987 |
The John J. Kane Regional Center at Glen Hazel bustled with activity throughout the National Nursing Home Week (NNHW) of May 8 to 14 with activities ranging from a Chinese Auction, a staff appreciation Luau, a Health Fair and a Flower Power 1960’s style dance filling only part of a busy schedule.
“National Nursing Home Week is one of the most significant events of the year at Kane Glen Hazel because the week is intended to spotlight nursing home residents and staff,” said Kathi Lindsley, Therapeutic Recreation Manager at Kane Glen Hazel. “The week celebrates those who make a positive difference in peoples’ lives every day. At Glen Hazel we provide a supportive and caring environment and do our best to provide enrichment for the residents and their families.”
NNHW also honors those who contribute to nursing homes throughout the country – residents, family members, employees and volunteers.
The week began with traditional Mother’s Day events on May 8. Mother’s Day tea was served during the afternoon. Two musical acts provided entertainment. Henry Edwardo played the accordion on 3B, and the popular Charlie Apple appeared on the second floor and 4B.
“Our Mother’s Day celebration honored all of those mothers who are part of the Glen Hazel family,” Lindsley said.
On Monday, May 9, a bake sale, a scavenger hunt and Glen Hazel’s version of the game show Family Feud were highlights. The weeklong Chinese Auction began on that day, as residents bid on numerous baskets assembled and donated by staff at Kane Glen Hazel.
“The baskets came in various themes and they were donated by our departments,” said Judy Fockler, Social Services Supervisor at Kane Glen Hazel. “The baskets fill up a big part of our lobby. The interest in the baskets has been great.”
The auction will last until a drawing later in the week. The basket with the most bids will be declared a winner for the department that assembled it. A pizza party will be held for the winning department.
On Tuesday, May 10, Bingo was played on the second floor and a “Flower Power Dance” had more than 150 residents, family and staff tapping their toes, shuffling their feet or singing along to the songs played by a D.J. The staff provided residents with special Tie dye shirts.
“The dance was terrific,” Fockler said. “We Tie dyed the shirts for the residents and they enjoyed the 1960’s theme.”
A staff appreciation Luau was held on Wednesday, May 11 as a reward to the dedicated and hard-working Kane Glen Hazel staffers.
The week was scheduled to end with more activities. On Thursday, May 12, a Health Fair will be held in the Glen Hazel lobby from noon to 4 p.m. Glen Hazel’s own Drive-In Movie featuring “Unstoppable” will be shown on the first floor during the afternoon.
“The Health Fair will enable the various hospices to set up tables and other in-house vendors will be present,” Fockler said. “It is a chance for residents to get information on health care.”
On Friday, May 13, Kane Glen Hazel staff members will hold a wheel chair race for the residents to watch. Also that day, the Allegheny County Bar Association will make a “Very Important Papers” presentation. Residents may learn about family matters, living wills, powers of attorney, probate and other important legal matters.
For more information, contact Kathi Lindsley, Therapeutic Recreation Manager, at 412.422.6919, or Judy Fockler, Social Services Supervisor, at 412.422.6987.
