Kayla Niner
Published: December 4, 2008

DUBUQUE- Kelly Howes knows first-hand how hard the holidays can be at a nursing home.

“There’s a lot of depression, a lot of losses, so every day is different depending on their health and that,” said Kelly Activities Director at Heritage Manor.

Mildred Fessler has been at Heritage Manor since Febuary, and says Christmas brings back memories of days gone by.

“You can’t think about that at Christmas time, but it sneaks in every now and then,” said Mildred.

Mildred is trying to stay positive.

This Christmas she will be going to one of her daughters’ homes for Christmas dinner and then will return to the manor for Christmas supper and festivities.

“Oh, I just love the holidays, and here, now, we have something to do almost 4 or 5 times a week,”said Mildred.

This Christmas Kelly has some extra special things planned.

“We have a secret santa here, and the staff will draw residents names, then on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus will come, we will do some caroling, and then pass out gifts,”explains Kelly.

Heritage Manor also has a wassailing party planned, and a family holiday party where family members of those in the home can come and share a special time with their relatives.

“We have a good crew here, and if someone is a little down, they get a little extra TLC; it’s good,” said Kelly.

Kayla Niner can be reached at Kayla.Niner@loras.edu