National Nursing Home Week

HARRISBURG — In observance of National Nursing Home Week, May 10 to 16, 2015, nursing homes across the state with residents, families and other relatives and friends are celebrating this week with their loved ones and caregivers. Sponsored by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) since 1967, this year’s theme is “Bring on the Fiesta,” which focuses on a time of “Familia, Vida and Amor” (Family, Life, Love).

“Each and every day, the hardworking men and women in Pennsylvania’s nursing homes provide the highest level of care to ensure our sickest, frailest elderly and disabled residents live a healthy, safe life and age with dignity and respect,” said Stuart H. Shapiro, M.D., CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association and Center for Assisted Living management (PHCA/CALM).

“Pennsylvania’s population is aging rapidly and the demand for long-term care services is growing, especially among residents and patients who have higher acuity levels, more complex medical needs and chronic health conditions that require around-the-clock care.

“The goal is making sure they continue to get the services they need to live a healthy, safe, high-quality life with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Pennsylvania’s more than 700 nursing homes provide care to more than 80,000 Pennsylvanians every day while employing, directly and indirectly, nearly 130,000 individuals.

For more details on National Nursing Home Week, visit www.nnhw.org and its companion Facebook page www.facebook.com/nursinghomeweek.