The New York State Veterans Home at Oxford to celebrate National Nursing Home Week from May 11 to 15 with a unique schedule of recreational activities. Each day of the week will follow a different theme starting with Monday’s “Moments in Bloom” to “Freedom Friday.” (Photo by Rebecca Laibowitz)

OXFORD - The New York State Veterans Home at Oxford is celebrating “National Nursing Home Week” starting today May 11 to Friday, May 15.

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center For Assisted Living (NCAL) established National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) in 1967 starting each year on Mother's Day. The objective is to encourage skilled nursing care centers around the country to host a variety of events that shine a light on the individuals who reside, work, and volunteer in nursing centers.

The AHCA announced the theme fort this year as “Moments in Bloom” to reflect the way everyday acts can grow into meaningful experiences and to celebrate the idea that moments big and small can flourish to help residents live life to the fullest when nourished.

The Veterans Home at Oxford plans to do just that with unique activities and honors all week long.

Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS) Brittany Weissman explained that each day of activities tries to incorporate one (or more) of the five tenets of recreational therapy, which are: physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs.

“Overall, those are like the well-being of what makes a person who they are, so we focus on those,” said Weissman

Reflecting on the AHCA's “Moments in Bloom” yearly theme, the home's first day of events, today, centers around the opening of the home's outdoor greenhouse.

“We have some brain stimulation and friendly competition in the morning, and then in the afternoon we're having our Red, White, and Bloom garden party, which is the kickoff for the opening of our greenhouse that residents can go out and use during programs,” said Weissman.

The Red, White, and Bloom program is the Veterans Home's therapeutic gardening program that over 100 residents participate in. Weissman also shared that the Red, White, and Bloom Plant Sale they had on May 1, was a success.

When asked which day of programming she was most excited for Weissman replied, “I am excited for all of them, honestly, because they do all offer something different. We try to meet all the interests of the residents throughout the home, and we are doing some stuff a little bit differently than we normally do in our day-to-day programs, so bringing that fun and excitement to the residents is something that I look forward to.” She added, “I probably would say our 'Beachside Boogie', because we're going to try to make it so that we're going to a beach vacation. We've got waves and some tropical music, and kind of make our own dance routine.”

Each day of the week will follow a separate theme, Monday is “Moments in Bloom” with a word mining competition at 10 am, and the Red, White, and Bloom garden party at 2 p.m.

Tuesday is “Tropical Tuesday” with Beachside Boogie & Traveling Tasty Treats at 10 am, and a Beach balloon Volley at 2 p.m.

Wednesday will be Wellness Wednesday with yoghurt parfaits at 10 am and, Chair Exercise and Hydration Station at 2 p.m. The yoghurt is being generously sponsored by Chobani.

Thursday's theme is “Music Madness” which features a Masked Singer, karaoke, and Happy Hour program.

Then on Friday the theme is “Freedom Friday” where patriotic attire is requested and at 10 am will include Red, White, and Blue Crafts, followed by an Ice Cream Social at 2 p.m. Weissman relayed that all of the home's programs are open to visitors that come to the home.

The Veteran's Home at Oxford features six different neighborhoods of residents. This week Weissman says that all of the residents and staff can join in one place for celebration. She explained that staff will be honored and highlighted throughout the week and that they've planned three special days for events where staff will be recognized.

“For the week we have a program in the morning and the afternoon for residents and staff to be part of, just to build camaraderie amongst the whole home, because every single department and person that walks in and out of this building is a vital piece of the day-to-day care we provide the residents. So we just want to celebrate all together through engaging therapeutic programs,” said Weissman.