Celebration wraps up National Nursing Home Week
More than 100 residents, employees, vendors and community members contributed to a boisterous and festive atmosphere Friday at the Rehab and Healthcare Center of Cape Coral that closed out National Nursing Home Week.
After spending the week dressed as tacky tourists or donning sports team apparel, watching belly dancers, listening to live music and participating in fashion shows, the members of the rehab and nursing home center threw one last bash Friday afternoon complete with a three pig roast and visits from local dignitaries.
“This is the culmination of a week-long feast which we have enjoyed tremendously,” said administrator Susan King. “It is important that the people who live here are recognized as being a vital part of the community.”
Mayor Eric Feichthaler and state Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-Cape Coral, each addressed the celebratory crowd, lauding the work of the center’s employees and speaking about the impact of the elderly in the surrounding communities. Aubuchon spoke of a “special place in his heart” for seniors, recalling his close affinity with his grandmother. He also said that more people in the Cape need to get to know everyone involved with the nursing home, located on Del Prado Boulevard.
“I can’t tell you how many hundreds of times I’ve driven by this facility and never had the pleasure to come inside,” Aubuchon said. “This is a wonderful jewel in our community.”
King pointed out that many who live in the facility are the city’s founders who helped build it from the ground up and deserved to be respected for their efforts. The dozens of people from all walks of life who showed up Friday was a testament to that truth.
Activities Director Mike Morse worked quite literally round the clock preparing a roast of the “three little pigs.” From 9 p.m. Thursday to 4 a.m. the following morning, Morse slaved over massive grills donated by Riverside Bank to ready the pork for a tasty luncheon. But he said the focus of the day was not on his handiwork, but on everyone involved in nursing homes.
“All week long we have been doing things for residents, workers and family members,” he said.
Residents like Gloria B. King certainly appreciated the effort put forth by the center’s staff both this week and throughout the year.
“They are always trying to do something to keep us in good spirits,” she said, adding that her favorite part of the week was the fashion show put on by Belk, of which she was a part.
King said the food served up Friday was “excellent” and chalked the satisfaction up to Morse’s cooking skills.
The week-long celebration was the first in the center’s history, even though National Nursing Home Week was established in 1967. The event was the brainchild of marketing director Mary Roemero, who was extremely enthused that the celebration cost the center next to nothing.
GE Medical, Inc., Home Oxygen, local community banks all donated supplies and manpower, while Card Systems Inc. actually renovated the place’s entire courtyard.
The turnout and attitude of everyone at Friday’s event made quite an impression on just about every new visitor.
“I’ve really been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the people who live and work here,” Feichthaler said.