Skilled Nursing celebrates National Nursing Home Week with makeovers, 'Fallbrook Idol'

Fallbrook Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Facility celebrated National Nursing Home Week May 13-19. This year’s theme was “Treasure Our Elders.” This special week was designated to not only celebrate and treasure the residents of the facility but to honor the staff, family members, volunteers, and community.

The challenge was to find the hidden (and not so hidden) treasures, both within the residents and the facility staff. All who participated in this event were rewarded with precious memories; stories from the past and most importantly their lives were enriched by learning from those they care for on a daily basis. The meaning of the week was simply stated, “Treasure the time you have with people around you.”

Activities were carefully planned to make this week extra special. Activities included “Glamour Makeovers,” a photo shoot, and an old fashioned tea. The highlight of the week was “Fallbrook Idol 2007.”

On Wednesday, May 16, the staff at the Skilled Nursing Facility assumed new careers and arranged for the residents to have makeovers. Makeup artists Lisa Barrett and Michelle Hohn did their magic on residents. Manicurist Jody Wark and hair stylist Janet Haught added finishing touches.

Then it was off to the photo shoot where residents were assisted with choosing props which included hats, bonnets, shawls and even boas. Photographer Sandy Lane snapped a couple of shots for each resident to keep as a reminder of their special day. Some residents such as Flora Zaldate, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, were having so much fun that it was hard to move on to the next resident.

The afternoon ended with a tea complete with a bevy of goodies and treats.

On Thursday, May 17, residents were treated to the first Fallbrook Idol 2007 competition featuring none other than “Ryan Seacrest” portrayed by Morgan Cadmus, “Randy Jackson” Justin Voelker CFO Fallbrook Hospital and Skilled Nursing, “Paula Adbul” Kim Mura and last, but not least, “Simon Cowell” Greg Smorzewski, HR Director.

The panel rated the performers, which included a wide variety of talents. Resident Madeline Courtney’s husband Marty told a story then moved the audience to tears when he sang a love song for his wife who beamed with pleasure. SNF staffers Kristen O’Neill and Brett Wooten dedicated Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe,” complete with costumes, to the Badgers who were celebrating their 60th anniversary.

CEO Larry Peyton presented gift certificates from local merchants to staff winners based on trivia quizzes. Fran Connel, who sang an Irish Ballad, was voted the first Fallbrook Idol of 2007.