The room was festooned with palm trees, balloons, and travel posters at Life St. Francis Medical Center, Bordentown, where members of its PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) were treated to a “Hawaiian Day,” complete with music, hula dancing, fruit kabobs and brightly colored flowers and leis.
PACE members live safely at home while being helped by a team of healthcare experts and travel by van to the Medical Center when in need of specific treatments.
Nearly100 clients and Life St. Francis staff members attended the festivities, actively taking part in the dancing and singing, including PACE member Roi Bellamy, who sang “God Bless America” with a clear, stentorian voice and treated the crowd to his lively dancing.
“In addition to our many other events, twice a month we treat our PACE members to a specially-themed day, with a hot breakfast in the morning, mid-morning entertainment, and then lunch, before the vans return them to their homes and communities,” says recreation therapist Liz Quirk. “They truly enjoy interacting with each other at these events which give them a sense of belonging, and offer a time when they can enjoy the company of the many friends they’ve met here.”