One of our favorite events at Cedar Village is the
Resident of the Month program. On the first Wednesday evening of each month we honor seven residents, one from each of our Health Care units (with the exception of the skilled unit whose residents are short term stay) and the Fountain View and Oak View apartments. The program is not lengthy, it's not complicated but it is spectacular.
A resident is selected by that area's staff and they are interviewed by a member of the management team. Friends and family are invited to the program and they come, in large numbers. At the program, the residents being honored are seated at the front of the room, each wearing a rose to signify that this is their special evening. In turn, each resident's story is told by the management team member who interviewed them and then the resident is presented with a plaque, bearing their name and photo, that is theirs to keep. Through these presentations, we learn about their lives and their families, we learn about their favorite things and we learn about their values and the words they want to share with everyone. It is a powerful experience and each month is very different. We have some amazing and fascinating people here at Cedar Village and it is wonderful to get to know them even better through this program.
This month's program was more poignant that usual because one of the residents we honored passed away last weekend. Millie was one of the very first residents of Cedar Village, coming here 13 years ago when we opened. She was known to all of us and beloved by our staff. Hearing her story, listening to some memories that were shared, was very moving and many of us smiled with tears in our eyes.
I often say that, as staff, we get a blessing every day at Cedar Village. While our staff work hard to care for those elders who are entrusted to us, we also receive so much from them. They share their wisdom, their history, their stories and their love with us. Some days and situations are difficult and stressful but there is always the balance of a resident holding your hand, kissing your cheek or telling you that "you are my family." What greater gift could we receive?
