Caring for our states treasures

photo by Scott Afasano

Members of the Florida Health Care Association present their proclamation, "Caring for Our State's Treasures Day," at the Quorum Hotel in Tampa. "Caring for Our State's Treasures Day" is February 15 and recognizes the accomplishments of the elderly, as well as the people who take care of them.

Gold, silver, diamonds, jewels and... the elderly? The elderly cannot be measured in currency, and their stories, contributions and influences are priceless. However, the value of the elderly has often gone overlooked. The Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) hopes to change this pattern by designating February 15 "Caring for Our State's Treasures Day."

FHCA, a federation of facilities representing long-term care providers, encourages society and the government to invest in the well-being of the elderly, particularly those in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

For FHCA, "Caring for Our State's Treasures Day" is a way to show the elderly that they are appreciated, while advocating community involvement in seniors' lives. The FHCA proclamation, with commentary, follows:

Proclamation: Whereas Florida's elders shaped the history of our state and nation by defending our freedoms and preparing us for the future.

One of the ideas behind "Caring for Our State's Treasures Day" is to acknowledge the residents that helped establish our country.

"We need to find out the stories and history behind these residents," said FHCA assistant director Deborah Afasano. "Maybe some of the residents fought or were nurses during World War II. It's time to seize those moments and learn about our residents."

Florida is home to about 71,500 residents in nursing homes. That equates to 71,500 treasures deserving attention and care.

Whereas, our elders positively influence our quality of life through their physical and intellectual efforts that result in innovative advances in the arts and sciences, medicine, education and transportation;

Of the thousands of seniors in Florida, many of them have helped create history and some took part in the major technological developments of the 20th century.

"With the movie The Aviator out, there could be a resident somewhere in a facility that worked in the airline industry during the time of Howard Hughes," remarked Afasano. "These people have been through so much, and there is so much we can learn from them. We have opportunities to tell their stories."

Whereas, Florida's elders deserve our respect and gratitude for their contributions to our state and nation;

Not only should their contributions be noted and told, they should also be cherished and admired by everyone. Feb. 15 is intended to do just that.

Whereas, Florida long-term care providers consist of thousands of caregivers and health care associates who honor Florida's elders daily through their commitment to excellence, quality of care, integrity, compassion and respect;

"It's the nursing and administrative staff along with an interdisciplinary team made up of dietary, social services, activities, maintenance, housekeeping, volunteers and a core of dedicated people that have promoted quality and worked to keep citations down in nursing homes," boasted Afasano. "I see nurses and so many people that are ready, willing and able to do what's right for the elder's we treasure. This day is for those people as well as our elders."

Whereas, the Florida Health Care Association is a federation representing long-term care providers who believe the elderly people they serve are entitled to a supportive environment where professional and compassionate care is delivered;

FHCA hopes that a day of recognition will foster positive relationships between providers, residents, families, staff and the community. Afasano, along with FHCA providers, believes that positive media and a strong base of community support, can weed out the bad stereotypes nursing homes sometime receive, and continue to drive quality outcomes.

"We have to influence perception by connecting to our community, inviting legislators and community liaisons to our facilities, promoting volunteerism, and connecting to families and residents," said Afasano. "The strength of what we do together is so much better than what we do by ourselves."

Several ideas have been suggested to make "Caring for Our State's Treasures Day" a catalyst for year-round activities in nursing homes throughout the state. For example, an "Adopt a Grandparent" program would have children from community schools adopt a facility and get to know some of our state's treasures. Facility staff could work with local schools to coordinate resident visits that promote mutual learning and intergenerational understanding.

Those ideas became possible when the governor signed the proclamation last week.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeb Bush, Governor of the State of Florida, do herby extend greetings and best wishes to all those observing February 15, 2005, as Caring for Our State's Treasures Day.

For now, the new February 15 observation is recognized in Florida only. FHCA hopes that someday the treasures of our state will also be treasured throughout the nation.