This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

"Local Stars" Dance Their Way into the Hearts of Summit at Plantsville Residents

Dancers delight residents with 'Dancing With The Stars' style moves as the skilled nursing facility kicks off National Nursing Home Week.

They may not be stars to everyone in the community but on Monday night, staff from the Summit at Plantsville donned their dancing shoes and found their way into the hearts of residents at the skilled nursing facility.

To commemorate National Nursing Home Week, The Summit at Plantsville organized several special events and Monday’s “Dacing with the Stars” contest kicked off the week with with seven couples, one trio and a pair of professional dancers twirling, dipping and grooving to the tunes of Saturday Night Live.

"Can I move you closer to the action," Barbara Blau, Therapeutic Recreational Director, asked residents as she helped to arrange the best a vantage point for each audience member.  "I want everyone to be comfortable and to enjoy the show."

The evening's event had a lot going on. Three residents - Starr, Angie and Margaret, served as judges and voted on a scale of 1-5 for each performance, using network TV’s “Dancing With The Stars” show format.

The Summit typically has a busy environment but this week a few favorite programs are scheduled.

Wednesday evening a “ladies night” is scheduled where the required attire is pajamas. Some come wearing a brooch. It's considered a night out, particularly because the entertainment on tap is a male dancer.

“This is the fourth year we've had male dancing and the crowd winds up having a grand time," said Blau. "We love that families and staff come and partake in the programming."

The Summit embraces a philosophy built on bringing joy everyday to residents.

"It's that important, to have good times for everyone, including staff," she said.

Other activities for the week include a breakfast spa hosted by Brio Academy, a Puppet video followed by a meet and greet with puppet maker Jon Bristol, singing by Crooner Joe Cadenna, and special culinary treats of cakes, cookouts and root beer floats.  

The American Health Care Association first established National Nursing Home Week in 1967 to recognize nursing homes, assisted living facilities and staff for the work they do caring for elderly and disabled individuals.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?