Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton celebrates skilled nursing staff

Bishop Wicke Health Center team members gather for a photo in celebration of National Skilled Nursing Care Week./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - The atmosphere was celebratory at Bishop Wicke Health Center as team members and residents came together in honor of National Skilled Nursing Care Week  May 10-14. 

The weeklong event, established by the American Health Care Association in 1967, recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for our elders. 

NSNCW 2021 focuses on the collective effort and the amazing strength and dedication of those who continue to work tirelessly every day to care for and protect elders in long-term care.

In an outdoor spirit renewal event, Bishop Wicke Administrator Debra Samorajczyk addressed a group of staff and residents. 

“We are so happy that we are able to gather for celebrations this year,” Samorajczyk said. “Last year was much different, but we are making this year extra special. We chose the theme “Together We Grow” because as a team, we have grown tremendously this past year. All our staff, residents, and families have been working together to keep everyone healthy, safe, and connected with each other. We’ve been through a lot and we know we can overcome anything as a team.”

Chaplain Cathy Nickse, Director of Spiritual Life for the Wesley Village campus, offered words of encouragement and reminded staff and residents to remember their value and purpose and what it means to truly “soar” in life. “You were born to soar,” Nickse said. “Soaring is when we feel free to be exactly who we are; singing and playing, loving and laughing, living a life of gratitude and grace and knowing that God wants us to fly free.”

Celebrations also included live entertainment and special treats prepared by the Bishop Wicke Dining Services team, as well as kite flying and the release of several butterflies, which were nurtured by staff and residents at the community for the past two weeks. 

Team members and residents opened the butterfly habitats together and released the butterflies to soar.

“We felt that the butterfly was a fitting example of the experience we have had this past year,” Samorajcyk said. “There have been incredible challenges, but little by little, we are coming out of this stronger, more beautiful, and with greater freedom to celebrate life as we care for our residents and each other.”

Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave., Shelton and is part of United Methodist Homes, a local not-for-profit organization. 

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. 

To learn more, visit our website or call 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.