VALLEY — In honor of National Nursing Home Week, EAMC-Lanier Nursing Home has held several events this week to celebrate with residents.

The week-long event is held each year, starting on Mother’s Day. Events Coordinator Ursula Davis said things have gone well this year.

“We love it,” she said. “It’s a way to show how much we care for everyone.”

On Monday, the theme was “Pajama Rama.” Residents were dressed in their pajamas and played “The Price is Right.”

On Tuesday, they held a fish fry as part of Western Day, where residents were dressed in jeans and bandanas.

Wednesday was Twin Day. Davis said staff members and residents were dressed alike and had ice cream with all the trimmings.

Thursday was College Day and everyone was decked out in their best collegiate wear.

That night they held the Ms. EAMC-Lanier Nursing Home Pageant with 12 residents competing. First, second and third place winners were picked, along with Miss Congeniality.

Ida Mae Roberts won first place with Hazel Yarbrough and Barbara Wilson as second and third runner up, respectively. Mary Goodman was named Miss Congeniality.

“The winner can advance to another pageant in Birmingham,” Davis said.

Today the nursing home is holding Tropical Paradise Day. The day started with a breakfast provided by PNC Bank.

On Saturday, a devotional will be presented by St. Stephens CME Church.

“The residents have loved all of it,” Davis said. “They’ve enjoyed the time and attention.”

Established by the American Health Care Association in 1967 and always beginning on Mother’s Day, National Nursing Home Week provides an opportunity to recognize the role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The 2018 theme is “Celebrating Life’s Stories” and serves as a tribute to life’s most significant events, relationships and experiences that shape the unique perspectives of residents, families, staff, and volunteers in long term and post-acute care. ​