Residents at the Island Nursing Home and Care Center, in Deer Isle, ME, wanted to celebrate the end of facility visitation restrictions by having a senior prom with family and friends — so of course, staff made their wish happen.
“We really wanted to get back to a little bit of normalcy and bring a little bit of joy to their life,” Senior Executive Director Matthew Trombley said.
The 38-bed skilled nursing facility, which recently announced it’s closing this fall due to the pandemic, hosted the special evening in late August thanks to the help of several local businesses that donated dresses for residents to wear and the provider’s board of directors, which donated flowers for the event.
Prom day for the residents started with dress fittings, make-up and hair appointments. Decorations included a galaxy backdrop for pictures as an ode to its “Under the Stars” theme.
“A little magic and it came to life,” said Activity Director Tina Allen.
Residents also enjoyed music and food and, most importantly — their loved ones.
“You know, it certainly has been a long year and a half for our industry, and for our families and for their loved ones that we take care of here,” Trombley said.
“They’re happy to have their families come today, just sharing the day with them,” Allen added.
We sure do hope it was a night to remember.
