It would be tough taking a busload of nursing home residents to Munich, Germany, so one provider decided to bring Oktoberfest to its own facility last week instead.
The Waveny LifeCare Network hosted its third annual fall celebration Oct. 12. Residents of the continuing care retirement community had a chance to learn Oktoberfest history while dancing to live accordion music and eating bratwursts, sauerkraut and soft pretzels. Steins were filled to the brim with apple cider, and staffers dressed up in German dirndl and lederhosen, the fancy dresses and short suspendered pants readily identified with such continental merry-making.
Sherrye Dobrin, therapeutic coordinator for the Village at Waveny, New Canaan, CT, says the idea for the celebration evolved over the years, after an entertainer and friend of one employee visited the home to play the accordion in traditional garb.
“Now the party is bigger, the food is wonderful, and many staff members dress up,” she told McKnight’s. “Many of our residents grew up listening to polkas so they can relate to that style of music and reminisce. I think we all enjoyed the Chicken Dance!”
