National Skilled Nursing Care Week marked at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton

Staff at Bishop Wicke Health Center in Shelton recently celebrated National Skilled Nursing Care Week./ Contributed photo  

SHELTON - Team members and residents of Bishop Wicke Health Center recently gathered for a weeklong celebration of National Skilled Nursing Care Week . 

The 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 2023 focused on “Cultivating Kindness,” with inspiration from the many acts of kindness that happen in skilled nursing care centers every day. 

“Research has found that practicing compassion and kindness not only can improve health and well-being, but can also strengthen human connections and bonds,” noted the American Health Care Association regarding the theme of the celebratory week.

“At Bishop Wicke Health Center, we see relationships as a foundational element of well-being and this involves a sense of connection, acceptance, inclusion, communication, and especially, kindness,” shared Debra Samorajczyk, Administrator. “The ‘Cultivating Kindness’ theme really connected with our team, as this relationship-centered focus is at the core of what we do each day. The celebrations were fun and memorable for residents and staff alike.”

Throughout the week, Bishop Wicke staff, residents, patients, families, and members of the local community came together to participate in activities that cultivate and spread kindness. 

A kindness rock garden was created in the facility’s front courtyard and opportunities to personalize a “kindness rock” were offered throughout the week to all guests and members of the community. A spring renewal event featuring a tree planting dedication, offered words of inspiration and encouragement and a reminder of everyone’s unique value and purpose.  

A kindness scavenger hunt was ongoing, along with daily activities to celebrate all who live and work in the facility, such as a resident and staff paint class, gardening, meditation sessions, various theme days, individual recognition, and staff appreciation.

The focus on recognition and appreciation was central to the week. “Each day, a special proclamation was read and presented by a Bishop Wicke resident, honoring all residents and recognizing the dedicated staff and the many departments that support the community,” said Dawn Supranovich, Bishop Wicke Manager of Dining Services. “It was very meaningful for both our residents and teams to be part of these daily proclamations.” 

Along with the proclamations, family members were also invited to share notes of appreciation and thanks to Bishop Wicke team members and all members of the community were encouraged to share words of kindness on the community’s kindness board. 

Bishop Wicke, which was recently recognized with U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Nursing Homes” designation for 2022-23, is part of Wesley Village senior living campus and has a long history of five-star relationship-centered care, staff longevity, and overall excellence. 

The facility is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a local, mission-based organization with a nearly 150-year history of caring in and around the Shelton area. 

Those looking for more information about joining the Bishop Wicke team can visit the UMH website (umh.org/careers) or attend the facility’s upcoming career fair at their location at 584 Long Hill Ave. 

The fair will be held June 13 from 1-5 p.m. and offer opportunities for on-the-spot interviews for a variety of positions, including Dining Aides and Porters, Dietetic Tech, R.N.s, L.P.N.s, C.N.A.s, and H.H.A.s. Home health aides looking to expand their careers and become C.N.A.s are encouraged to attend to learn more about Bishop Wicke’s “pathway to C.N.A. program”, a fully paid option for individuals to take the C.N.A. course and earn certification. 

Eligibility requirements and conditions apply, and details will be given upon hire. Those interested in attending the fair can RSVP to Bria Askew at baskew@umh.org or text 203-343-1663 for more info. Walk-ins are also welcome. 

Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave. 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 about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or contact us at 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.