This week Countrybrook Living Center is joining nursing homes across the nation in celebration of National Nursing Home week. 

Administration from Countrybrook Living Center met with Brookhaven Mayor Joe Cox last week, who signed a proclamation for the city to recognize the week of May 10 through May 16 National Nursing Home Week.

Started in 1967 by the American Healthcare Association, National Nursing Home Week has been an event that brings the long-term care community of residents, rehab patients, families and care center staff together for a week-long festival.

The theme chosen by the AHA for the week this year is “Bring on the Fiesta.” In accordance with the theme, Countrybrook has a week of events planned, starting with a service on Sunday for Mother’s Day.

“A celebration week is what we’re doing,” Director of Nursing Carolyn Welch said.

Sunday’s events were followed by a celebration of Mexican-American culture with cuisine including chips, salsa and margaritas on Monday. That will be followed by Twin Tuesday, where the home will offer tacos and host BINGO; Wacky Wednesday which will feature maracas, tamales and a horse race. On Team Thursday Countrybrook will host a cookout and will focus on Hospice Hospitality. Then on Friday festivities will include piñatas and fruit.

“It’s not only for residents but for staff and family members as well,” said Countrybrook administrator Stacy Morgan. “They [residents] love it. We’ve done many things over the years, and they like to watch the staff play musical chairs.”

Both Welch and Morgan said Countrybrook has been celebrating National Nursing Home Week for longer than they know.

“It’s also a good way to highlight the positive things that go on in nursing,” Welch said.

“And also a good way to show that we are happy people,” marketing liaison Jane Flowers said.

She said working at a long-term care facility, people tend to think the work is shrouded in a cloud of sadness. National Nursing Home Week allows for nursing homes to dispel that belief and show that nursing staff and their residents are a happy community.

Nursing homes all over the nation and the city are participating in the week of recognition and celebration. Haven Hall started off their week with a balloon lift-off Monday. Their lineup for the rest of the week is as follows: Team Spirit Wednesday, Western Day Thursday which includes a cook-out and on Friday the theme is the 70s.