To the Editor:

Skilled nursing care centers across the nation will be observing National Nursing Home Week, beginning on Mother’s Day, May 10 through May 16, using the theme of “Bring on the Fiesta!”

It will be a celebration of “Familia, Vida and Amor” — family, life, and love — because the human journey continues every day. These essential ingredients of everyone’s humanity allow an individual to live his or her life to its fullest potential, irrespective of age, infirmity or care setting.

National Nursing Home Week has become a time-honored tradition, first celebrated by the American Health Care Association in 1967. Care centers across the state will hold fiestas, open houses, VIP events, balloon launches, tours, and other events.

This is a great time for families to visit and friends and neighbors to drop by. If a person can’t come by, I urge you to make a phone call, send a card, flowers, or even an email.

This special attention will surely help a resident “Bring on the Fiesta!”

Richard J. Herrick

President and CEO

New York State Health Facilities Association

Albany