This year’s National Nursing Home Week theme “Celebrating the Journey” will be celebrated at Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) May 13 19, 2012. “Celebrating the Journey” reminds us that every life should be honored, every life’s story needs to be told, and that every day we have the chance to begin writing a new chapter. Whether the day is filled with comedy or drama, nursing home residents and caregivers are co-authors and leading characters in each other’s life story.

Today is about living life to the fullest, irrespective of age, infirmity or disability. There is no fixed formula to follow or guide the process, just the quiet routines of daily caregiving, meals, activities and visits from family and friends. They bring the joy that comes from the heart of a loved one.

The goal in “Celebrating the Journey” is for residents to feel satisfied at the end of each day that staff cared for you and about you not just as patients, but as people with stories to tell and new chapters yet to write.

National Nursing Home Week spotlights nursing home residents and staff and encourages all to celebrate those that make a positive difference in their lives every day. A supportive and caring environment, such as a nursing home, provides enrichment for residents and families to continue growing, learning, and teaching through various ways. “Celebrating the Journey” is an opportunity to honor those who make our nursing homes special: residents, family members, employees, and volunteers.

For more information on Grundy County Memorial Hospital’s Long Term Care, please contact GCMH at 319-824-5421 or visit www.grundycountyhospital.org.