At Spring Hills, celebrating National Assisted Living Week gives us a chance to recognize all of our staff, volunteers, and communities that play a vital role in our success. This year September 13-19 is the week to point out the amazing things that go on within our communities.
Spring Hills always has a great time celebrating National Assisted Living Week (NALW). The week’s theme this year is Caring is EssentiAL. The theme this year is more impactful than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the staff at our communities has gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide exceptional care throughout these trying times. There will be week-long activities created for each community that encompasses what caring means to everyone. With communities across the country experiencing different restrictions, we are incredibly excited to see all of the unique and creative celebration that are to come.
About NALW
NALW was started in 1995 by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) to provide recognition to the importance of assisted living care and all of the residents, families, staff, volunteers and local communities that serve seniors and those with disabilities. The annual observance encourages all assisted living communities to offer a variety of events and activities to celebrate the individuals they serve, as well as to help educate members of the public about this important aspect of long term care.
NALW and Spring Hills
Our communities across the country have been getting ready for this week and are incredibly excited to get residents involved in socially distanced and safe activities. The week begins with Grandparents Day. Like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Grandparents day is a whole day dedicated to our grandparents. Grandparents and children have a special connection that is proven to both make grandparents live longer, and also make children more emotionally resilient. This is an opportunity to treasure that connection and spend some quality family time together, even if it can only be provided virtually with current circumstances.
Even though this day is usually celebrated with big parties and family, our staff has gotten creative to keep that family connection alive. At Spring Hills Cherry Hill, families are submitting and sharing special moments for their loved ones to be viewed on Grandparents day. Even though families may not be able to physically be there, seniors will have a great opportunity to ‘see’ their loved ones. At Spring Hills Hunters Creek and Spring Cottage, they have a special individualized surprise coming for each of their seniors, as small group activities are still not permitted. “We have really had to dive in and tune into what makes each of our residents tick” says Libby Hatcher, Director of Resident Engagement at Spring Hills Hunters Creek. “We are incredibly excited for our residents to see what we have in store for them next week” she added.
Following Grandparents day, each day of the week is planned out to have some fun activities for residents and staff. At our Cherry Hill location, staff will get to enjoy some great food with a theme for each day of the week. From hot breakfast to dessert, the staff will surely be enjoying some delectable treats throughout the week. The residents can expect to take part in some fun activities from ‘Mocktail Monday’ to aromatherapy and even virtual mountain climbing. Being that they are able to take part in small group activities following COVID-19 guidelines, the residents will have no shortage of celebratory activities to take part in.
At Spring Hills Hunters Creek, each day of the week pertains to the theme of Caring is EssentiAL. Some include: Who we care for, self-care, what you cared about and caring for neighbors. With their individualized approach to the week, the staff has gone above and beyond to make each and every resident feel cared for. And not to worry, they have not forgotten their staff. They will get to enjoy their own activities also centered around caring.
Spring Hills is so very excited to see how all of our communities celebrate NALW. Even amid a pandemic we hope everyone that is involved and recognized during NALW remains safe, happy and healthy and understands how important each and every person involved is. May we all have a wonderful and joy-filled week!
At Spring Hills Senior Communities, we are proud to continue to serve you through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, contact your local community.