Pictured from the left are Joan Markey, Mr. Macho the cat and Barbara Marshall, residents of the Maine Veterans Home, as they review the calendar of events for National Nursing Home Week.

Veterans’ homes will be hosting weeklong activities

PARIS – In observance of National Nursing Home Week, May 13 to 19, Maine Veterans’ Homes will host a series of events designed to enrich the relationships and contacts between residents, youth, community members, family and staff. The theme is “Treasure Our Elders.”

“This is one of the most exciting weeks of the year here in our facility; there are daily events that involve residents, staff and families,” said Administrator Patricia Young. “Our residents and staff have so much to share,” she said, “and this seems like the perfect presentation of those treasures.”

One of the week’s special events will be a Mother’s Day Tea at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13. “This is a wonderful springtime celebration,” said Pat Paar, activities supervisor. Families are invited to attend the tea and dessert buffet, and female residents will be honored with corsages. Music will consist of of old-time favorites.

On Tuesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m., residents will be entertained by “Jackie’s Jazzettes,” a group of dancers ranging in age from 5 to 12.

Also slated for the celebration will be a cooking contest, “Treasured Recipes,” where staff will prepare a dish from one of their favorite handed down recipes. Dishes will be judged and prizes awarded.

A scavenger hunt will take place throughout the week, organized by staff members. A book fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 16. On Friday, May 18, the festivities will conclude with a healthy lunch buffet, served to residents and staff members.

National Nursing Home Week is an annual observance sponsored by the American Health Care Association and the Maine Heath Care Association.

Maine Veterans’ Home, 477 High St., South Paris, is a 90-bed nursing facility offering a multitude of nursing care needs. For more information, call the home at 743-6300 or visit the Web site at www.maineveteranshomes.org.