NNHW is a vehicle for today’s modern care communities, imbued with culture change, to proactively educate citizens and customers that SNF care has evolved and is light years beyond what may negatively be thought of as “Grandma’s nursing home.” The image of
Team Care can help SNFs foster positive opinions and attitudes by the public toward long term and post-acute care. Cultivate relationships that will foster regular contact between the community and those who live and work in the facility.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Seek to become part of an elementary, middle or high school curriculum whenever possible. Try an “Adopt a Class” program that runs for the full school year to foster relationships among students and senior adults. Or set-up “pen-pals” between young children and residents.
• During National Nursing Home Week, encourage local businesses, social and business groups, unions, etc. to visit the facility and residents as volunteers to do a specific project (like gardening). Honor some known community member with an appropriate award. Invite local artists and suggest that your facility host a judging or sale at your residence.
• Offer to host activities for veterans groups, Boy and Girl Scouts, arts centers (dance, theater, music), garden and craft clubs, and antique car or motorcycle clubs, etc.
• Invite public officials, business and community leaders to participate in your facility celebrations.