Walking the halls of Christian Health Care Center you notice something interesting. A family recognized from their regular visits with a loved one is deep in conversation with a resident they aren’t related to.
This particular resident doesn’t have much family around, so staff had hung a sign on her door encouraging strangers to visit.
“Joanne loves to talk,” it said. “Please stop in and say hello!”
She loved to reminisce about a long life well lived, and Christian Health Care Center staff were helping her get what she so greatly enjoyed.
That’s how things are at our skilled nursing home facility north of Bellingham, WA. It may sound like a cliché, but people often say it feels like a family here. Staff and visitors enjoy life with residents, and they enjoy life with each other.
Knowing how much residents like visiting with their family and friends (and even strangers who will become friends!), CHCC has extended visiting hours, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week. These visiting hours work well for students visiting grandparents, working children visiting parents and even out-of-town family members who want to pop up on a weekend.
By the way, new faces are always welcome in our recreational programs. If you want to do some good and meet wonderful residents like Joanne,
check out our various volunteering opportunities.
But we also know that each resident is different. Some older adults, like Joanne, could sit and chat for hours. Others enjoy reading quietly, participating in craft activities or attending parties organized for just about every occasion.
Residents rarely miss Bingo Friday, and they also frequently enjoy music, socializing events, pet visits and movie nights.
CHCC offers a variety of church services throughout the week, of course. And residents who are active enough for the trip can go on scenic outings around the Lynden area.
Let’s face it, nobody likes the idea of “placing their family member in a home.” But you can rest assured that CHCC is nothing like what might be imagined when you hear that phrase. We’re a nonprofit health care center dedicated to helping older adults live full, active lives. Our residents make new friends. They participate in meaningful activities, and they have things to look forward to every day.
Why not stop by and check CHCC out sometime? Our staff social worker would love to meet you and show you around our skilled nursing facility. Contact us via phone for a tour at (360) 354-4434.