Labor Day is fast approaching, and it’s that last hurrah of summer before it’s time for falling leaves and pumpkin spice. September 1 is also an ideal time to host a summer send-off with residents, as well as to recognize the contributions they and your staff have made to the workforce.
Dating back to the late 1800s, Labor Day was established to recognize the contributions of workers in the United States. It began after a period where labor activists pushed for rights such as safer working conditions and an eight-hour workday. Labor Day became an official federal holiday in 1894 and is always celebrated on the first Monday in September.
Even if they are retired, many senior living residents have had jobs and careers that have brought them pride and prosperity, contributed to their communities, given them a sense of purpose and identity, and enabled them to raise families.
On Labor Day, celebrate their work history:
Ask them to share photos of themselves on the job (now or in the past). Post them on a bulletin board in a common area.
Have a Labor Day reception and ask residents to put their favorite or most recent profession or job title on a name badge.
Hold a storytelling event where residents and staff can talk for 2-3 minutes about what they like about their work or why they chose their profession.
Launch an intergenerational program where residents mentor and provide career/job advice to students.
Of course, Labor Day has become a day of picnics and family fun, so don’t forget that aspect.
Consider:
Having a picnic for residents, staff, and their families. Ask area students to volunteer as food preparers and servers so staff can enjoy the fun.
Plan a 'county fair' for residents and staff with some farm animals, cotton candy, snow cones, hot dogs, and maybe a couple of carnival games.
Hold a storytelling event where residents share favorite picnic or summer vacation stories.
Have a watermelon decorating contest (a fun twist on the jack-o-lantern carving tradition for Halloween).
Show a fireworks video on a big screen; serve popcorn, peanuts, and soft drinks.
Bring food trucks or have an ice cream truck stop by.
Holidays like Labor Day provide the perfect opportunity for communities to spotlight the services, amenities, and design features that make them a great place to live. It can also help engage the community as a whole and attract prospective residents and staff.
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