West Virginia Health Care Association

Governor Manchin Proclaims September 10th - 16th as National Assisted Living Week

September 8, 2006

Charleston, WV C Assisted Living Communities will celebrate National Assisted Living Week beginning on Grandparents Day, September 10th through September 16th, by recognizing the special bond between our beloved seniors and the staff who care for them. Governor Joe Manchin presented a proclamation to the West Virginia Health Care Association (WVHCA) proclaiming the week of September 10th as National Assisted Living Week in the Mountain State. Assisted living residents, staff, and WVHCA staff received the proclamation at the State Capitol. The Governor encourages all citizens to visit assisted living residents and to honor and support employees of assisted living communities who daily provide care to residents.

This years theme is Hearts in Harmony, which celebrates the special relationship between staff, volunteers, and seniors living in assisted living communities. Each serves as a second family to the other. Special bonds of friendship and life-long relationships are found within the walls and boundaries of assisted living communities across our nation. Caregivers across West Virginia have planned week-long activities, events, and parties surrounding the theme, "Hearts in Harmony." Jesse Samples, CEO of West Virginia Health Care Association encourages all of us to visit residents living in assisted living communities and find out how hard assisted living staff work to provide quality care for residents living in their community. "Employees are extended family for many residents and they treasure and value their friendship. The relationships are important to both the resident and staff," said Samples.

During this week, assisted living communities in West Virginia will open their doors to anyone wishing to find out more about assisted living. Founded and sponsored by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), the week-long event spotlights the crucial role assisted living facilities play in helping our nations elderly to live as independently as possible while enjoying a meaningful quality of life. There are more than 3,200 people residing in 123 licensed assisted living facilities in West Virginia.

WVHCA is the trade association for long term care facilities in West Virginia and is affiliated with the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). For a FREE copy of the 2006 Consumer Guide to Extended Care Facilities contact WVHCA at (304) 346-4575 or toll free at (1-888-298-9842) or visit our website at www.wvhca.org for more information on assisted living communities in West Virginia.

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