Bringing back the Village Care Center residents to the time of horse-drawn buggies was something the activities director thought would be a good way to celebrate National Nursing Home Week.
JoBeth Vance, who has been the facility's activities director for a year and a half, said the best part of this week was seeing the residents, who have been looking forward to the event for three weeks, take horse trolley rides.
"This was something from their era," she said. "They plowed with horses, they farmed with horses, they even rode to church with the use of a horse. They just love being outdoors. I simply thought they'd enjoy it, and they did."
Although the 42 residents at Village Care Center have ample opportunities to participate in activities like music, bowling, bingo and bean bag toss, this week was all about coming up with special activities for the residents, Vance said.
Vance said this week was a good way to show, how as a small facility, they care for each and every one of their residents dearly.
"We love our residents and want to show them a good time during this week," she added. "It's like Christmas here, with the special activities we have going on. We want to make them as happy as possible."
Vance, who knows residents want their stay at Village Care Center to be a pleasant one, said she likes the challenge of her job. She tries to keep the residents busy and their lives fulfilled by involving them in as many activities as possible.
"That's our goal," she said. "I want them to be as happy as possible. I want them to feel as at home as possible here."
Vance, who said it's hard not to get attached to the residents, said the facility also has an Alzheimer's unit.
"They all have different needs," she said. "But the outdoors and animals are sure ways you can always reach them. We just want to try and give them some sort of happiness."
Today and Friday will bring more special activities for Village Care Center. Friday will end the week-long celebration with an afternoon barbecue.