May is Older Americans Month, a month designated to raise awareness about issues facing older adults, and to highlight the way older Americans are advocating for themselves, their peers, and their communities.
This year’s theme is “Connect, Create, and Contribute.”
Communities that encourage the contributions of older adults are stronger. They play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and lives.
May 12-18 is National Nursing Home Week, a time to recognize the vibrant spirit of our residents, and to acknowledge staff who face each day with a sense of purpose and compassion. The staff at North Shore Living values the uniqueness, friendship, and wisdom our residents bring into our lives every day.
There was a great turnout for our first “block party” held on Thursday April 11 for the Woods household residents and their families with 35 in attendance. They enjoyed having dinner with their families and neighbors, while discussing the progression of the culture change concept being integrated into the household environment. Several residents also shared their favorite recipes, which will be put into a resident household cookbook.
Eleanor and Ray Sjoberg took the opportunity to enjoy some sunshine on the patio on April 18. Photos courtesy of Belinda Hudler
A block party for the Waves household residents and their families will be held on Thursday, May 9.
The residents are looking forward to activities both indoors and outside in May. They are hoping that May will bring many days of sunshine, and warmer temps to enjoy on the patio. We are planning our first picnic of the year on Memorial Day with hot dogs from the grill, and all those picnic goodies. Sunshine will be a “must” that day!
The high school choir will bring their musical talent to North Shore Living on May 3 at 2 p.m. There will be music on Sunday afternoons with Myron Bursheim, and Wednesday afternoons with Susan Scherer. We want to welcome Lavonna Czaplicki to our music venue. Lavonna has been coming in on Tuesday afternoons to play piano for the enjoyment of the residents.
Above: A large group turned out for Palm Sunday services on April 14. The residents are so grateful for our community churches which provide church services every Sunday at North Shore Living. Left: Jim Haussner was all smiles with his “triple bingo” on April 25.
Amy Schmidt will also bring her delightful music to the Care Center on May 21 at 2 p.m. There will be a dance held on May 25 from 6:30-8 p.m. with Portage Band. Family and friends are welcome to join us for any of our music events.
There will be a party held on May 8 at 3 p.m. with cake and ice cream. Doug Sanders will provide some great piano tunes for the event. Even though we won’t have any residents celebrating a birthday in May, we’re always up for a good party!
A Volunteer Appreciation Brunch will be held on Thursday, May 16 at 10 a.m. It offers us a time to show our appreciation of the many talents and time our dedicated volunteers share with the residents throughout the year. We couldn’t provide the wide variety of activities we offer without their help. They bring joy and friendship to our home, and help the residents stay connected to their communities. Thanks for all you do!
The Resident Council will be hosting a spring plant sale on Monday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at North Shore Health. There will be flower and vegetable seedlings for sale to give your garden a head start this summer. All proceeds will go towards the Resident Council Fund.
For more information about volunteer opportunities at North Shore Health Care Center or to check out the May calendar of events, visit our website: www.northshorehealthgm.org or contact the Activity Department at 387-3518. Cook County has a vibrant and active community of elders. Each week we will offer Senior News to highlight our senior citizens. This week’s submission is about the North Shore Health Care Center, courtesy of Activities Director Belinda Hudler.
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