TAKING NOTE OF THE EVENT - Four Grant County Nursing Home residents recently joined Petersburg mayor Gary Michael in declaring May 11-16 as National Nursing Home Week. Joining the mayor (center) were residents Leo Sites, Opal Veach, Hazel Foley and Robert Borror.

May 11-17 will be a special week for residents and staff at the Grant County Nursing Home. Those are the dates when folks all around the country are observing National Nursing Home Week. "Much like genuine love, genuine caring surpasses all the challenges that each of us faces every day," stated Terry Shobe, nursing home administrator. "National Nursing Home Week is a chance to recognize the residents and staff that look beyond the tasks they perform each day and recognize that this is a person they are caring for - it's someone's mother, father, brother, sister, son, or daughter. Our volunteers, staff, family members and residents are all extended family and a special relationship has been developed with each other at our facility."

The county-owned facility will be recognizing those living, working and volunteering in long-term care facilities. The theme of the week is "Love is Ageless".

Shobe said: "One of the most compelling ways to show your love is through the gift of time spent visiting a nursing home resident. Nursing homes throughout West Virginia will be celebrating this weeklong event by sponsoring numerous events and encouraging family members, volunteers, neighbors and friends to stop by anytime!"

Long-term care professionals recognize "Love is Ageless".

No matter a person's age, gender, wealth, or appearance, genuine love - like genuine caring - transcends the daily trials, tribulations and challenges for the aged and disabled, and those who care for them. Love may be represented in the form of simple acts of humanity with common names, such as respect, selflessness, kindness, gentleness, helpfulness, patience, and caring.

"This week is a time to recognize those living and working in long-term care facilities and an opportunity to take time to reminisce of days past and look forward to those yet to come," he said.

The facility is a member of the West Virginia Health Care Association, the trade association for long-term care facilities in West Virginia and is affiliated with the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).

The nursing home is a 110 bed skilled nursing facility with nine assisted-living beds located at 27 Early Avenue in Petersburg.

Shobe invited area residents "to enrich your life by learning from those who live in long- term facilities."

Additional information about services offered at the home, and to learn more about volunteering at the facility, is available at 257-4233.