Senior woman and caregiver outdoors on a walk in park, talking.

“Cultivating Kindness” is the theme of this year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week, which begins Sunday. The annual event starts each year on Mother’s Day.

“This year’s NSNCW theme — Cultivating Kindness—is inspired by the many acts of kindness that happen in skilled nursing care centers every day,” noted the American Health Care Association, which established the celebration 56 years ago. “Research has found that practicing compassion and kindness not only can improve health and well-being but can also strengthen human connections and bonds.”

Staff, residents, families, and members of the local community are encouraged to participate in activities “that cultivate and spread kindness during this special week,” organizers said.

They requested that stories, photos and videos of special observances for the week should be tagged at @NationalSkilledNursingCareWeek or with #NSNCW on social media platforms. In addition, the McKnight’s The Brighter Side department will feature chosen activities to highlight as well.

Logos, graphics, and a tool kit with marketing and program ideas can be found at this website.

Other long-term care groups are also building appeals and programs off of NSNCW. The Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) Medicine, for example, suggests making a donation to advance the profession.

“All gifts will support workforce development initiatives, clinical resources, education, or research in building a stronger front line of professionals, and those being honored will be listed on the Wall of Caring and Honor on the Foundation website,” its organizers said. Donors also will receive a notification of their gift.