OUR VIEW: Good nursing homes are a vital part of community

Moving a loved one into a nursing home is one of life's turning points ? both for the family and the individual. There is no real pleasure in it for anyone. It can be traumatic and painful.

Against this backdrop, communities all over the nation are celebrating National Nursing Home Week and all that a nursing home can mean for a family and the mom, dad, brother or sister who will be the future resident.

The finest nursing homes do their best to minimize the trauma and lessen the pain of loss, both emotionally and financially. They treat family and soon-to-be-residents as people, not just as numbers on checks.

The finest nursing homes rehabilitate as well as offer residence. Many, including those in our community, offer superb rehabilitative care. They get their elderly clients up and about and they assist the not so elderly clients to be independent regardless of the battles they face.

The finest nursing homes provide exactly what the name implies ? a home to those who need special care and attention. They are warm, friendly places with excellent staffs and medical care. They can offer treatment in ways that no other places can and they allow residents to live out their remaining years with the dignity, respect and care they deserve.

Tallapoosa County has one of the highest concentrations of nursing home beds in the state per capita, which means there is a tremendous demand here.

This week we have been alerted to many activities planned to celebrate this week at nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in the Lake Martin community.

From beauty pageants, to special dinners, to activities that highlight the good work being done by dedicated professionals who provide care, we have seen clients with big smiles as they were treated to activities that stimulate the mind, heart and soul.

What we have learned is that we have the finest nursing homes and rehabilitation centers anywhere right here in our own backyard.

So, during National Nursing Home Week, we salute those in our area who provide this special kind of care.