Sometimes people fear that their life stops being fulfilling when they need to enter a nursing home. Perhaps you’re worried that your loved one won’t make friends or have anything to do. And, if you’re like most, you may have some preconceived notions of what you’ll find in a nursing home. We work hard to make this a special place for all of our residents and families.

Here a few of our residents’ favorite things to do:

If you’ve never heard of the Yale Bologna Festival, well you don’t know what you’ve been missing. The festival is complete with outhouse races, street dances, and of course, a Bologna King and Queen (who wear bologna crowns). It’s a party that only a small town could dream up.

Each year our staff creates a float to represent our facility and residents. Staff members hand out candy, pens, and other items to the thousands of people who attend, helping to spread the word about MediLodge of Yale.

Each month the Quality Dollar Store from Fort Gratiot Township (near Port Huron) sets up their store in our “Glass Inn.” They have such a great assortment of items that it never ceases to amaze us! This is another thing that we do for our residents to help them maintain their independence and interests. Residents can buy items for themselves, their grandchildren, and/or other family members and the best thing is that everything is only $1.00!  As our residents say, one of the best things about it is you don’t even have to leave home to go shopping!

John Murray is one of our residents’ favorite volunteers. Everyone (staff, families, and visitors included) looks forward to our monthly birthday bashes. John plays guitar and sings old-time favorites—as well as some new country/western songs.

Don’t be surprised if you see our residents out on the dance floor—even those in wheelchairs! Nothing stops us from making sure everyone has a great time!

Each year we host an elegant evening for our residents and their families. We provide live entertainment and a lovely dinner, complete with fine cuisine. This might include such dishes as Strawberry Almond Salad, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and homemade cheesecake.

Residents, with assistance from staff and families, get their hair and make-up done, then get dressed in their most elegant evening attire. Many staff members volunteer to help make this event a great success. It’s such a nice event that we can’t tell who has the most fun—residents, their families, volunteers, or our staff!

For a complete list of all we do, please ask the Activity Director for a copy of the monthly calendar. Family members and friends are always welcome to come and participate in any of our activities—your family member would love to see you and we would, too.