Nursing home holds stories, happiness

To The Eagle:

This week is national Nursing Home Week. At Columbia View Care Center, we are celebrating. I am very proud of the continued fine work of the nursing home staff; their passion for the work they do enhances the lives of the residents.

I appreciate the dedication of our volunteers. To all who come routinely to visit, play music, lead a group and add life, thank you! Residents especially enjoy children, anyone performing, and well-behaved pets. If you are thinking that one day you would like to add volunteering to your life, do it now; we would love your presence.

I am often asked, "How do you cope?" The question implies that nursing homes are sad places. They categorically are not. The people who live at Columbia View lead vibrant lives. They listen to live music, attend religious services, exercise, gossip, play and enjoy delicious meals. Residents make friends (and enemies!) and look forward to things much like you or I do. This nursing home is not a sad place.

Of course there are difficult days--days when nothing seems to go right. We have many regulatory agencies observing us for compliance purposes. I have bosses telling me what to do and others telling me what I can't do. Just when the stress seems to be stretching staff too thin, one of our residents will do or say something that makes it all worthwhile.

These folks are really something! They are the pioneers who logged, farmed and mothered our county; they are the brave men and women who fought across Europe and the Pacific; they were the fabric and foundation of our community. Each resident has a story and each story is worth listening to. So, to celebrate Nursing Home Week, or just because you have time, please take a moment and visit someone who lives at Columbia View. Thank you for your support.

Duncan Cruickshank

Administrator