Mulberry Health & Retirement Community will join hundreds of other nursing facilities across the country to celebrate National Nursing Home Week, May 13-19.

Founded in 1967 by the American Health Care Association, National Nursing Home Week always begins on the second Sunday in May or Mother’s Day.

Its purpose is to familiarize the public with nursing facilities and the services they provide.

Across the nation, nursing homes and retirement communities host activities for their residents, their families and employees.
MHRC Activities Director Charlotte Carlson said events and activities are planned for each and every day of the special week.

“This is a great time that brings our residents and staff together in a time of celebration,” she said.

The fun all begins on Sunday, May 13, with a Celebration of Mothers. At 3 p.m., Roy Carter will entertain in the MHRC Dining Room. Refreshments will be provided.

On Monday, May 14, pop and chips will be served to all at 3 p.m. and the Tippie Women’s Choir will perform at 7 p.m.

Tuesday May 15, is full of activities. The famous “Tonsil Klackers” will perform at 10:45 a.m. in the MHRC Dining Room. And, at 2 p.m., the Hillisburg Trio will provide musical entertainment. Tuesday celebrations will wrap up with an Ice Cream Social beginning at 4 p.m.

The String Alongs will perform at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16. At lunch, a cookout is planned for all residents and MHRC staff.

Donuts and coffee will be served at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 17 and the Columbia Park Zoo visits with critters at 3:30 p.m.

The smell of freshly baked cookies will waft through the building at 9:30 a.m. with an Otis Spunkmeyer treat. Sue Hammer performs at 10:30 a.m. and Duane Beck takes the stage at 2 p.m.

Festivities end on Saturday, May 19, when the Hickory Homemakers host Bingo in the MHRC Dining Room.

Carlson asks employees to encourage residents to attend and asks for the help of available staff to assist residents to and from events.