Frankenmuth, Mich., May 14, 2012 — In observance of National Nursing Home Week, May 13 to 19, Lutheran Homes of Michigan's four skilled nursing care sites will host a series of events to celebrate the residents, families and staff. This year's theme, "Celebrating the Journey," is a reminder that every life should be honored daily.

"Every one comes to us with a story. We uncover it and celebrate the uniqueness of each person," says Maureen McGee, chief operating officer for campus-based services. "By recognizing this home is just a continuation of their journey — whether they are here for long-term care or short-term rehabilitation, we are able to do so much more than provide care. It's the small things, like smiling, holding someone's hand, or providing the environment and services to get our patients back to their homes following rehab services," says McGee.

Lutheran Homes of Michigan provides long-term care and rehabilitation services at Lutheran Home Frankenmuth, Lutheran Home Livonia, Lutheran Home Monroe and AuSable Valley Community Home in Fairview. With more than 400 nursing home beds serving Michigan seniors, and about 100 short-term rehabilitation admissions and discharges every 30 days, our dedicated teams of care providers touch a lot of lives.

In late 2011, Lutheran Homes of Michigan invested $1 million at Monroe to meet the anticipated rehab needs in that area, by focusing on the quality of care and the amenities required by its short-term patients. In February, U.S. News and World Report named the AuSable Valley Community site among Michigan's best nursing home facilities.

"Nursing Home Week is about celebrating what we do collectively," says McGee. "It's what we do together to support the LHM mission, residents and their families, staff and caregivers that makes it work."

The celebratory week kicked off with a Mother's Day tea on Saturday, May 12, in Livonia, and concludes with a carnival in Monroe on Friday, May 18.

• Monday, May 14: South of the Border Day. Dress in Western or Mexican wear. Activities planned are a Nerf War and piñatas.
• Tuesday, May 15: 50s and 60s Day. Dress in 1950 and 1960s wear. Activities planned are a Talent/No Talent Show and a Sock Hop.
• Wednesday, May 16: Luau Day. Dress in Hawaiian wear. Activities planned are playing Wheel of Fortune and roasting marshmallows.
• Thursday, May 17: Take Me Out to the Ballgame Day. Dress in baseball attire. Activities include a T-ball game, lunch and watching an afternoon Detroit Tiger's game.
• Friday, May 18: AVC Fun Day. Dress in mismatched attire. Activities include a Fashion Show and Mock Olympics.

• Tuesday, May 15: 50s Day. Dress up in your favorite 50s styles and enjoy some real hot rods as motorcyclists come by to visit with residents.
• Wednesday, May 16: Cookout Extravaganza Day. A site-wide cookout will be held to celebrate the week.
• Thursday, May 17: Ball Game Day. Dress up in support of your favorite team.

LIVONIA
Lutheran Home Livonia kicked off the celebratory week on Saturday with a Mother's Day tea. Other events for the week include:

• Monday, May 14: 50s Sock Hop Day with root beer floats, entertainment and a hula hoop contest
• Tuesday, May 15: Twin Popsicles and Family Feud
• Wednesday, May 16: Fiesta Day with nachos and mockaritas
• Thursday, May 17: Sports Day with your favorite sports team apparel, popcorn and peanuts
• Friday, May 18: Western Roundup & Karaoke Bar-B-Que Day with hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, baked beans, tossed salad w/ dressing, ice cream novelties and karaoke w/ pastor Rennie.

• Monday, May 14: Donuts (10:00 a.m.); Sock Hop (2:00 p.m.); Ice Cream Creation Station (2:00 p.m.); Girl Scout Troop visit (6:00 p.m.)
• Tuesday, May 15: Bagels (10:00 a.m.); Mary Kay Glamour (10:00 a.m.); "Sounds of Gospel" sponsored by M.M. Hospice (12:00 p.m.); Music with Manny (2:00 p.m.)
• Wednesday, May 16: Ice Cream Social (1:00 p.m.); Detroit Lutheran Choralaires Concert for residents, staff, family and Creekside Manor residents with refreshments to follow (7:00 p.m.)
• Thursday, May 17: All-staff picnic lunch (10:00 a.m.); Erie West Hollywood Photo Shoot (1:45 p.m.); Monroe Middle School Fiddlers (3:15 p.m.)
• Friday, May 18: Carnival fun and popcorn (2:00 p.m.)

National Nursing Home Week is an annual observance sponsored nationally by the American Health Care Association, based in Washington, D.C. and the Health Care Association of Michigan in conjunction with the Michigan Center for Assisted Living.

For nearly 120 years, Lutheran Homes of Michigan has been providing services to seniors, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. Grounded in faith and dedicated to helping those we serve to embrace an aging enriched experience, Lutheran Homes of Michigan champions dignity and self-respect at every stage of life. Headquartered in Frankenmuth, LHM provides a broad range of in-home services, as well as in nearly 850 independent, rehabilitation, assisted living and skilled care residences across Michigan with the help of more than 1,000 employees. Each year, LHM services touch more than 4,000 seniors, clients, caregivers and family members. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) Christ-centered agency, LHM is one of Michigan's largest nonprofit providers of senior services with ministry sites and partners across the state.