DEL NORTE— The River Valley Inn Nursing Home in Del Norte had a busy week last week with a variety of events in celebration of Nursing Home Appreciation week. The fun began on Mother’s Day, May 12 with homemade corsages prepared by staff members for all of the moms at the home. “We also had a tea party and a specially made cake for everyone to enjoy. It was a really great way to honor all the moms we have here at River Valley,” said new director Allison King.
Monday began with a scavenger hunt with both residents and staff members. “There were clues hidden all over the place that led to wonderful prizes like free in-house pedicures and manicures, candy baskets, small things, like oven mitts and new socks. The staff teamed up with residents and everyone had a great time. Our Resident Counsel President Darlene Bandy gave a beautiful speech in honor of Nursing Home Appreciation Week and we ended the day with a balloon launch,” continued King.
While celebrating nursing homes across the nation, River Valley Inn decided to also honor local volunteers on Tuesday with a barbeque and live entertainment provided by local musician Tim Longmire. Homemade gift baskets were given to several volunteers that have played a huge part in activities like the emergency responders from Rio Grande Hospital, Del Norte Ambulance Services and High Valley Community Center.
“We had ponies and horses for the residents to enjoy and pet, wonderful music and just lots of fun. We even made snow cones for everyone,” Activity Director Annie Baker.
On Wednesday, residents participated in a cooking class making Carolina Caviar, which is basically a pimento and cheese sandwich. “Everyone really enjoyed a chance to participate and cook for other residents and staff. We have a great facility here that allows us to do activities like this on a regular basis. The rest of the afternoon we held our monthly resident council meeting which is an opportunity for residents to express concerns, give us ideas and just have an open question, answer forum. This is their home; they have every right to have a voice in what we do here,” continued Baker.
Thursday was hippie day, where staff tie-died several pieces of cloth and made fun headbands for residents to wear. “We also had a hippie yoga class, played games and enjoyed snacks,” said Baker.
Friday and Saturday ended the fun-filled week with a staff appreciation day, beach ball exercise class and homemade popcorn made by the administrators. “It was a busy week, but it was so much fun. We love being able to do these things for our staff and residents,” said Baker.
The week-long event was made possible through several efforts by the administration team and staff members including Stacy Simmons, Matt Torez, Brenda Martinez, Chelsea Velasquez, Shawn Frezie, Annie Baker, Tiffany Sanchez-Cong, Evon Thacker and Allison King.
Next, the home will be donating 40 gift baskets to the La Puente Center in Alamosa next week. The nursing home is always looking for volunteers to come and participate in any of their events or to just spend time with residents. For more information, please contact the River Valley Inn at 719-657-1105.