By By GREG KATSKI
Community Editor
Britthaven of Washington resident Della Lassiter said her two sons visit her as often as they can, especially around the holidays. Many Britthaven residents aren’t blessed with that same family support, Lassiter said.
“A lot of people here don’t have families,” she said.
Britthaven’s administration makes a conscious effort to make the holiday season a happy and enjoyable time for such residents, said Jerome Ward, activities director.
“Some (residents) are down because they don’t have families, so we try to keep a full schedule,” she said.
Activities at the nursing home leading up to the New Year include Christmas bingo, a Christmas party — with a 50-50 raffle and door prizes — and nightly singing of Christmas carols.
Addie Hoggard, a native of Pinetown and Britthaven resident for 11 years, said she particularly enjoys caroling with groups from local churches that visit the nursing home.
Wednesday night, Hoggard sang with members of Haw Branch Church of Christ’s congregation as they sang Christmas carols as they walked the halls of the nursing home. Some of the carolers stopped to sing with Hoggard, Lassiter and fellow resident and Beaufort County native Garland Woolard. Several young carolers embraced Hoggard and Lassiter as they sang, wishing their elders a “very Merry Christmas.”
Hoggard and Lassiter said they enjoy the company of children, something the nursing home’s administration has picked up on.
“The residents really love children. It lights their eyes up,” Ward said. “We try to get as many children as we can to come in and perform.”
Nursing homes and rest homes around the county have played host to similar activities.
Willow Manor in Chocowinity has welcomed student carolers from Chocowinity Middle School and Southside High School, not to mention gift-givers from area churches.
“They appreciate it. They really look forward to it every year,” said manager Qucanda Spruill.
Residents were taken on a bus tour to see Christmas lights around the community.
The administration at Whispering Pines rest home on Market Street is getting ready for its annual Christmas party Saturday. The rest home’s residents will be transported to sister rest home Cypress Manor in Roper for the seasonal celebration.
The party will feature a raffle, dinner, singing and other activities, said Natisha Langley, supervisor-in-charge.
Langley said Whispering Pines has similar parties on holidays throughout the year.
“Whenever the holidays come up, we usually have something — even as small as a cookout,” she said.
Langley said she gets gratification from such celebrations.
“There’s nothing like that smile,” she said. “Think of your own grandmother or grandfather around the holidays. It’s the same thing.”