Nursing homes need community TLC all year

DEAR ABBY: I am the activities director at a nursing/rehabilitation home in Montana. My residents and I want you to know how much we enjoy your column. We read it every day and discuss what kind of advice we would give to your letter writers. Your column is a highlight of our afternoons.

We would also like to remind your readers that there are plenty of homes like ours. We would appreciate and benefit from being acknowledged by our communities, not just during holidays, but all year long. These homes are full of your grandparents, parents and other family members and friends. Our community has always been loving and supportive toward us. We hope homes in other locations are as fortunate as we are.

Thank you for your column. We look forward to more! — FAITHFUL RESIDENT, DEER LODGE, MT

DEAR RESIDENT: Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful letter. I’m pleased your residents enjoy support from the good citizens of your community; it says nice things about the folks in Montana. I know my column is discussed around many breakfast tables and water coolers because it’s a sure-fire conversation generator. That’s the reason it is popular in many nursing homes and rehab facilities.

I hope more readers will find time to visit the residents in these homes, not only for the joy it will bring to them, but also to avail yourselves of the wealth of experience these individuals have acquired during their long lifetimes. While visitors are plentiful during the holidays, they are very quiet at other times.