Long-term care providers across the country are going the extra mile to celebrate Fat Tuesday and the rest of Mardi Gras festivities with their residents this week.
The Fellowship Community in Whitehall, PA, for one, held its annual indoor parade Tuesday, complete with a collection of floats, crafted by staff. “When the Saints Go Marching In” played on the piano, followed by a singalong and treats, said Kelly Gould, VP of marketing for the continuing care retirement community.
“Our nursing care center residents really get a kick out of the parade and clap and cheer for the floats,” she said Wednesday, adding that even the therapy cat, Robert, gets involved, riding a car and serving as “mayor and mascot” of the parade.
Otterbein Lebanon similarly slipped into the holiday spirit Tuesday with its own Mardi Gras Party. More than 200 residents and guests took part in the event, which included a Louisiana brass band, Bourbon Street-themed decorations, stilt walkers, a champagne Cinderella, living statues and a magic show (more images below).
“Masks were made, games were won and friends lingered after indulging in the delicious flavorings” from the Ohio life plan community’s café, according to an announcement.
The Hilltop Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Alexandria, LA, also went all out to give its residents a taste of New Orleans, knowing that most won’t make it to the Big Easy.
“Just because you’re in a nursing home, that doesn’t mean give up,” said Activity Director Kayla Lacombe. “It means keep going.”
