Atlanta's Golden Villa Nursing and Rehab celebrated National Skilled Nursing Care Week last week with five days of special themes, dress up, field days and a petting zoo of horses, goats and birds.
For five days, the nursing home's staff went all out to help the residents pretend they were (1) in a Las Vegas casino; (2) back in the 1950s; (3) down on the family farm; (4) acting like tacky tourists; and (5) competing against the staff in an outdoor family field day.
Hamburgers were cooked outdoors for a picnic, and all staff members wore especially big smiles as they worked to fulfill the function of a skilled nursing care center, which is more than simply a residence, according to Crystal Bobbitt, activities director.
"We have an additional mission to the protecting and caring for our residents around the clock," Bobbitt said. "This mission is that we serve as family members and friends, creating connections for each other.
"I want to say our staff stepped in in a fine way during this time of social distancing," she said.
Murline Shaddix is not playing a game. She’s making butter by turning a milk jar over and over in her hands during “Down of the Farm” day at Gold Villa in Atlanta. (Photo by Neil Abeles)
A petting zoo is just the thing for Golden Villa Nursing and Rehab residents to celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week. Activities Director Crystal Bobbitt, center, is helping zoo owner Brenda McVicars of Jefferson get the animals ready. Tommie Morris and Murlene Shaddix are in the background. (Photo by Neil Abeles)
Golden Villa’s staff has dressed up for “Down on the Farm” celebration day. From left, the “farmers” are Lois Roberson, Alexandra Whisenhunt, Brandy Pullian, Amanda Reeves, Amy Duhon and Marcus Peters. That’s visitor Euna Alexander arriving. (Photo by Neil Abeles)
The first impression that something unusual is going on at Golden Villa Nursing and Rehab last week was Lois Roberson opening the door in her “Down on the Farm” costume. She wears her smile every day. (Photo by Neil Abeles)