And, this year’s Clarkston Idol is? Thais Isaacs!
Clarkston Specialty Healthcare Center entertained residents with ‘Clarkston Idol,? based on the television talent show American Idol.
The theme for the day was the ?60s. The staff performed songs such as ‘Kansas City,? ‘I will Survive,? ‘Last Dance? and ‘Stop in the Name of Love.? Isaacs belted out Mariah Carey’s ‘Vision of Love.?
A panel of mock judges did their best interpretations of Randy, Simon and Paula, with some of the judges signature catchphrases: ‘That was an absolute nightmare,? ‘First, let me just say you look gorgeous tonight,? and ‘I just wasn’t feeling it.?
‘There is a lot of fun that happens here. It’s not a sad place to be,? said Donna Cook, director of business development at the nursing home.
They have a committed staff who makes it a fun place to be and live, Cook said.
They decided on a mock Idol because they like to pick things residents can relate to. The administrator, Maggie Canny, encourages the staff to really get in to it for the residents.
‘They love entertainment, anything that will make it feel like home for them,? Cook said.
It’s the staff’s job to fill in where residents? family cannot, by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Churches, social organizations, and clubs such as the Michigan State National Gardener’s Association come in to do fun activities with the residents.
‘I’m called to make a difference every day, to put sunshine on people’s faces,? said Cook.
The theme for this year’s nursing home week was ‘Love is Ageless.? Other activities included a dance competition and cookout.
Clarkston Specialty Health Care Center has been around for 20 years. It has 120 residents. Cook said they are looking to expand in order to accommodate more people.
‘If I had to place a loved one somewhere, this would be it,? said Dianne Lee from Home Instead Senior Care.
The American Health Care Association established a National Nursing Home Week in 1967. Each year they provide 11,000 facilities with a planning guide and promotional products for the event. This year it was May 11-17.