St. Francis Home is celebrating Nursing Home Week, May 10 – 16, with a full week of activities designed to honor the voices, lives, and experiences of its residents while strengthening the meaningful connections they share with staff.

This year’s celebration, themed “Moments in Bloom,” was shaped directly by resident input and focuses on creating joyful, shared experiences that recognize residents as the heart of the community.

Jennifer Mabry, NHA, St. Francis Home administrator, emphasizes that the celebration reflects the values residents expressed.

“Our residents wanted this week to feel meaningful – not just fun, but personal,” Mabry says. “They wanted to celebrate the relationships they’ve built with staff and with one another. ‘Moments in Bloom’ is about honoring their lives, their voices, and the sense of community that makes St. Francis Home a place of belonging.”

Nursing Home Week is ultimately about the people who call St. Francis Home their home, according to Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director. “Residents asked for opportunities to celebrate together, express appreciation, and feel truly seen. We’re proud to support a week that places their wishes, stories, and relationships at the center of everything.”

Throughout the week, residents and staff will participate in interactive and celebratory events including creative activities, shared meals, entertainment, and moments of reflection and gratitude. Highlights include collaborative crafts, photo keepsakes, intergenerational experiences, and a combined resident–staff luncheon that reinforces the strong bonds formed through daily care and companionship.

The week’s events are designed to promote connection, engagement, and quality of life, reinforcing the importance of honoring residents as individuals with stories, preferences, and contributions that matter.

“Nursing Home Week gives us an opportunity to pause and celebrate residents not just for one week, but as a reminder of why this work matters every day,” Mabry says. “When residents feel valued and connected, it strengthens the entire community.”

St. Francis Home is celebrating Nursing Home Week, May 10 – 16, with a full week of activities designed to honor the voices, lives, and experiences of its residents while strengthening the meaningful connections they share with staff. Mason Gravelle, Agnesian HealthCare Foundation philanthropy director, and Jennifer Mabry, NHA, St. Francis Home administrator, are shown with St. Francis Home residents – Pat Hansen, Mary Mauer, and Pat Thuecks – during one many activities celebrating the week.