May 9-15 is National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW)— formerly known as National Nursing Home Week. This week is a particular time to recognize the residents of skilled nursing facilities, their family members, and the staff who care for them around-the-clock.

It is a week dedicated to appreciating nursing homes and hospice and palliative care facilities nationwide. The theme for 2021’s NSNCW is “Together Through the Seasons,” to honor the collaborative commitment of skilled nursing care facilities and staff in providing top-notch care to their residents during the global pandemic.

Over the past year, despite COVID-19 and all of its challenges, skilled care centers continued to be there for patients and work with them—wherever they call home. A distinguishing factor about skilled nursing care and hospice care is the ability for patients to remain independent and receive care. We provide in-home health care visits and in-home health services to allow our patients to live independently for as long as possible. 

National Skilled Nursing Care Week will focus on the collective effort and incredible strength and dedication of skilled nursing care staff who work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable patients. It’s also a time to recognize the patients and their special relationships with staff. 

Nurses play a vital role in skilled nursing care by creating a positive environment, working diligently to monitor and treat patients, as well as providing emotional support to the patient and their families. These professionals go above and beyond to care for residents at a critical time in their lives, to make sure they are happy, comfortable, and never alone.

How can you celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week? Take flowers to a skilled nursing facility or ward in your community, volunteer at an event, share some of your talents to brighten up the days of residents, or simply pop in for a visit.