A little slice of Paradise was brought to the Spring Mill Health Campus in Merrillville Wednesday afternoon when the center brought their “Party In Paradise” celebration to the community and their residents.
The Party in Paradise, an open-air celebration held on the grounds of their campus, was based upon Elvis Presley’s 1966 film Paradise, Hawaiian Style and came complete with leis for all guests, attendees, and staff as well as sno-cones, a henna tattoo artist, tropical-themed food and an Elvis impersonator for live musical entertainment.
“We look forward to bringing the community together,” said Kelly Petty, Regional Director of Business Development, who helped organize the event. “We have a great turnout; there’s lots of community that support [Spring Mill].”
Events like this one are held monthly, not only to give the residents some fun activities to partake in, but also to showcase the building to any potential residents and family members.
“It showcases what an amazing health campus we provide in the community and if anyone needs our service in the future, they know that we’re here,” Petty explained.
Spring Mill Health Campus provides services ranging from post-acute rehabilitation, assisted living, and “Legacy,” their assisted living memory care services.
“We’re so excited to be able to have an event for our community that shows what we’re all about,” said Brandy Ross, the Spring Mill Health Campus Director of Business Development. “We’re opening up our doors to everybody, from our professional relationships to our families to come in and enjoy a little bit of entertainment and have our one last big summer bash before school goes back.”
The event was packed with residents and family members of all ages and from all walks of life. Children ate sno-cones while grandparents received intricate henna tattoos, while even more people ate excellent, tropical-themed foods and tropical punch from an elegant, two-tiered fountain. Dessert consisted of various delicious-looking pies and pastries.
In the middle of the Party in Paradise, however, were family members enjoying the warm day with their loved ones. Barbara Ketelaar, one of the residents at Spring Mill, was enjoying the evening with her sister, Ms. Lakich.
“I think it’s great,” Ketelaar said of the event. “I enjoy [these events], it makes you laugh, makes you happy. You meet a lot of people.”
“It’s a nice entertaining time,” said Lakich, who was happy to have the opportunity to visit her sister. “The entertainment is wonderful.”
Haris Mirza, the Administrator for the Spring Mill Health Campus, was present and enjoying the festivities with the staff and residents.
“I feel it’s a great event for the community to be involved with, and also for them to see our facility where the residents live,” said Marza. “Because we’re trying to get past that whole ‘old mentality’ of the nursing homes, so they can see there’s more to it than just being in the building. These kinds of events are happening constantly.”
For more information on Spring Mill Health Campus and upcoming events, please visit www.springmillhc.com.