MONTGOMERY – Alabama is joining other states to recognize nursing home residents and staff for their contributions to the community during National Nursing Home Week. Gov. Kay Ivey recently issued a proclamation designating May 14-20 as National Nursing Home Week in Alabama.

The proclamation commends nursing home employees for the care they provide to Alabama’s nearly 24,000 nursing home residents. Gov. Ivey also reminds the public that nursing home residents are valuable members of society by stating “our nursing home residents of any age or ability are themselves living history and a precious resource that should be treasured by all Alabamians.”

“All Alabamians are encouraged to visit a nursing home during this special week and all year long,” Alabama Nursing Home Association Chairman Frank Brown said. “I’m confident they’ll see skilled and dedicated employees delivering high quality and compassionate rehabilitation and long-term health care.”

National Nursing Home Week has been sponsored by the American Health Care Association since 1967. In Alabama, it is sponsored by the Alabama Nursing Home Association. The annual observance begins each Mother’s Day and continues through the following Saturday. The national theme for 2017 is “Spirit of America.”