National Long-Term Care Administrators Week kicks off Monday and lasts through Friday, a period during which appreciation and special thanks can be given to those running the country’s nursing homes.

“Our nation’s long-term care leaders have led the way in the battle with the pandemic. The physical and emotional toll has placed undue strain on the profession,” noted the American College of Health Care Administrators, the week’s sponsor, in announcing the observance.

“They have been thrust into an unwanted spotlight and often vilified in the media. Subject to a conflicting and changing regulatory environment, without adequate staffing and with ever-changing directives from local, state, and national agencies, these leaders have been on the job throughout it all,” organizers continued. “The nation owes our long-term care administrators a debt of gratitude.”

Administrators are licensed professionals and a building’s chief leader. They touch the lives of residents and families, and, most importantly, are responsible for ensuring their staff provides the highest level of quality care to a vulnerable population, ACHCA notes.

“They embody servant leadership by putting the needs of their patients, residents, families and co-workers ahead of their own,” said Bob Lane, CNHA, FACHCA, president and CEO of ACHCA. 

The college extends the week’s observance to salute administrators in nursing homes, assisted living residences and other post-acute and aging service settings.

Suggestions on how to honor and recognize an administrator can be found on the group’s website.