Nursing homes are sometimes seen as a depressing place, where senior citizens unable to take care of themselves live out the remaining years of their life in an almost hospital-like setting.

However, there are times when nursing home facilities do their best to find exciting ways to brighten up the lives of the residents.

Begun in 1967, National Nursing Home Week was established by the American Health Care Association to recognize the important role these facilities play in the lives of America’s elderly. Nursing homes throughout Alexander City are not only celebrating their residents and staff during this week, but are doing so with plenty of fun activities for the seniors to take part in.

“Our big things this week are having Aubie come out and spend time with the residents tomorrow [Thursday] and the barbecue cookout on Friday,” said Adams Nursing Home Activity Director Linda Young. “Today [Wednesday] was a great time, as some of our residents dressed up like singers. We had The Temptations, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton and others.”