Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare Rocks Out for National Skilled Nursing Week

Musical Celebration Theme Focused on Nostalgic Songs and Fashion from the ‘80s and ‘90s

Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare, in Trinidad was rockin’ out for National Skilled Nursing Week (NSNCW), May 12-18. Sponsored by the American Health Care Association, the week recognizes the important role of skilled nursing care centers in providing specialized care to seniors and individuals.     The theme of this year’s NSNCW is Radiant Memories – A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio. “Like cherished moments shared through music and stories on the radio, skilled nursing centers, residents and staff, contribute to the creation of radiant memories,” said Stacie Jennings, the facility’s administrator. Established in 1967, NSNCW starts each year on Mother's Day.  Throughout the week, Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare planned a fun-filled celebration for residents and staff centered on the theme Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare Rocks, Battle of the Bands. Each day featured the music and fashion of the ‘80s or ‘90s.  The events kicked off with a Blues & Brews Festival, complete with cowboy boots and flannel shirts. Other nostalgic activities for the week included hair bands of the 1980s, rock-n-roll day, and the fusion of rap and rock. Each day, residents and staff were encouraged to dress up in their most creative outfits to match the day’s activities. The celebration week culminated on Friday May 17, with an outdoor BBQ for all staff, residents, and families.  Jennings also noted that, “National Skilled Nursing Week honors the legacy of skilled nursing care centers around the country. This year’s theme shines a light on the pivotal role music has played in our lives over the years. Nothing evokes memories like the magic of music for our residents while providing comfort and joy.”  Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare also marked the observances with several additional special activities: Staff wheelchair races Carnival games for residents Root beer floats About National Skilled Nursing Care Week National Skilled Nursing Care Week recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s elderly and disabled. Established by the American Health Care Association in 1967, the week-long observance starts each year on Mother’s Day and is celebrated through the following Saturday.

Skilled Nursing Facility Goes Purple; Marks “Longest Day”    

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, says the Alzheimer’s Association, reminding us that June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.  To show its support, Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare is joining individuals and organizations around the world in holding activities to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The skilled nursing facility, in Trinidad, has been “going purple,” the official color of Alzheimer’s awareness, to educate people about this condition and raise funds to help those with the disease.  Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia – a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases.  “Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare cares for many people in the community with memory conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s,” said its administrator, Stacie Currie. “We realize how important it is for these patients to be nurtured and get specialized care in a compassionate environment. We also want to do our part in helping to accelerate critical research and find a cure.”  To enable that treatment, the facility has a dedicated, secure unit with 34 beds, where residents with Alzheimer's disease and other memory conditions are cared for.  

‍Skilled Nursing Facility Holding Alzheimer’s Events To raise awareness during Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare has been “going purple” by: Inviting staff and residents to wear purple June 19th-23rd. All staff and residents who participated were eligible for a gift drawing.Holding a spaghetti lunch which included spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and a drink. Proceeds from the lunch will be used to purchase games and fidget blankets for all our memory care residents.  

‍Special Events on June 21 In addition, on June 21 – the summer solstice –Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare participated in activities to shine light on the darkness of Alzheimer’s during the year’s longest day. The idea for the Longest Day project came from the Alzheimer’s Association, which has developed dozens of ideas for observing this day, such as fundraising events or hosting a fun activity.  To mark the Longest Day, Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare, hosted a mass balloon release. A barbeque was also held for memory care residents and their family members.

Helping Healthcare Staff Through Tough Times

Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Launches Unique Staff Assistance Fund to Support Employees with Immediate, Unforeseen Financial Needs

Employees in immediate financial need at Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center can now get economic help to tide them over during difficult times, courtesy of the facility’s just-created employee assistance fund.  The unique fund, which is set up as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is administered for the skilled nursing facility by a third party, the Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF). Employees can apply for financial grants – which may range from $500 to $2,500 – to help meet expenses for unforeseen disaster or personal hardship. The applications and awards are handled directly by EAF, without the facility knowing who was awarded grants or their purpose, to maintain strict confidentially.  Brittnee Fransua, Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center administrator, said the facility wanted to create a benefit for its staff that reflects part of its mission – treating employees as family – and can help employees in their times of need. “There are many reasons extra money may be needed, whether to deal with natural disasters, accidents, epidemics, illness, domestic abuse, or a death in the family,” she said.  “In this season of giving, Trinidad Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is grateful for our staff and we’re providing additional means to support their well-being,” Fransua said. “This is another way we fulfill our mission. While our commitment is to provide genuine hometown care while becoming a vital partner in the community, none of that can be accomplished without ensuring the health, safety, and happiness of our valued teammates.”