Signature Healthcare of McCreary County Rehab & Wellness Center Plans “Senior” Prom on Valentines Day

Elders and others at Signature Health of McCreary in Pine Knot are eagerly awaiting their Valentine’s Day prom, an event that will turn back the clock as residents get dressed up for a night to remember.

According to the facility’s activity director, Leslie Harris, the elders asked for a dance or prom, and Valentine’s Day seemed like the perfect time.

“It’s all about getting our residents excited about something and giving them something to look forward to,” Harris, who has worked at Signature McCreary since April, explained.  “An event like prom is something familiar to them.  It’s something they can say, ‘Hey, I went to the prom when I was younger!’”

Through Facebook, the facility’s activity department issued a community-wide plea for donations of prom dresses (sizes Med-3XL), men’s sport/suit jackets, and party food items such as bottles of soda, bags of chips, and/or frozen finger foods.  Donations have been pouring in for the event.

“With 40 gowns already donated, we probably have enough nice dresses, but we still need some sport/suit jackets for men,” Harris said.  “And, we still can use refreshments like soda, chips, and frozen finger foods.”

Cristy Hill, whose mother became a resident at Signature Health of McCreary in April, became friends with many of the residents while making daily visits with her mom.  Hill, who has always been very active in the local community, joined in, helping seek out donations for the prom and assisting with other events at the facility.  She noted that it is all about doing anything one can to help make the residents’ lives better.

“Leslie (Harris) started as the activity director a while back and began offering a full calendar  of activities, everyday,” Hill said.  “You can watch how important  these activities are for my mom and the others. Even with  Mom having dementia, these events keep her active and  give her and the other residents something to look forward  to daily.”

The prom will feature lots of fun activities, music, food, goody bags, and prom photos for those attending.  Of course, there will be the traditional prom king and queen, as well as prom prince and princess.  Harris said she plans to reach out to different groups and organizations throughout the community to see how they can join in and help with the celebration.

“It’s about just having fun, being part of the community, and letting our residents get to know their fellow residents and members of the community,” Harris said.

Donations can be dropped off at Signature Health of McCreary Rehab and Wellness Center located at 58 Old Cal Hill Road, Pine Knot, KY.