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Delaware Health Care Facilities Association Honors Residents and Staff During National Skilled Nursing Care Week® May 9 to 15

Delaware Health Care Facilities Association (DHCFA) is recognizing National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), May 9 to 15. This year’s national observance, “Together Through the Seasons,” celebrates the collaborative commitment of skilled nursing care facilities and their staff in providing compassionate care to their residents during this unprecedented time. 

Created by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, NSNCW, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, provides an opportunity for residents and their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and surrounding communities to honor the role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.  

“Ever since the vaccine program began rolling out in Delaware, facilities saw dramatic declines in new COVID cases,” said Delaware Health Care Facilities Association Executive Director Cheryl Heiks. As more Delawareans have become vaccinated, and cases have continued to decline in our communities, facilities have opened to visitors. The opportunities for residents and loved ones to safely spend time together makes this year’s celebration of National Skilled Nursing Care week additionally poignant.  

With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AHCA/NCAL launched the #GetVaccinated  campaign to educate residents, staff, and families about the vaccines. “Vaccines are the best hope we have to ending the pandemic, and we need as many people as possible to get vaccinated,” said Heiks, “vaccinations are helping to protect our residents, but please continue to take all precautions to protect those most vulnerable -our seniors and those with underlying health conditions – whether they reside in senior living settings or in the community.”   

We are excited and grateful to be celebrating being together safely with our incredible residents, their loved ones, and staff this week,” said Cheryl Heiks of Delaware Health Care Facilities Association. “National Skilled Nursing Care Week this year is extra special as we honor the unparalleled commitment and resiliency of our heroic staff and the special bonds shared with our residents and their families.”  

For more information on National Skilled Nursing Care Week®, visit www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW.