Who says you have to go all the way to Kentucky to see the Derby? On May 3, Spring Mill Health Campus hosted their very own Kentucky Derby and the stakes were high. Spring Mill residents donned their most lavish hats and came ready to place their bets on a champion.
The Spring Mill staff teamed up with Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services caregivers to organize the festivities.
“We like doing partnerships with different home healthcare companies and medical companies in the area, because then we can join forces and make the event more special for the residents,” said Lisa Bondi, Life Enrichment Director at Spring Mill Health Campus.
Prior to the event, Visiting Angels led a hat-making activity so that residents could wear them to the Derby. Hats decked in flowers, ribbons, feathers, and appliqués crowded the room; a few sombreros found their way in, too.
The real excitement surrounded the miniature race track in the middle of the room. The Visiting Angels Derby came equipped with five lanes; each lane had its own battery-operated wind-up toy. The seniors each chose a lane and placed paper-money bets on each round. Things got a little competitive at times, and a few of the wind-up toys had minds of their own, but the residents had a wonderful time.
Bondi and Debra Moleski, Director of Visiting Angels, said that the team had been planning for the event since October.
“I loved the racing idea,” Bondi said. “Then we came up with the Visiting Angels Derby, and we made the hats and turned it into a bigger event. The residents love it! They were hooting and hollering last time [we tried a racing game,] so we’re trying to get more of them in here to enjoy it today.”
Moleski said that the event presented a nice source of variety for residents’ days, and was planning on hosting it at a few other assisted living homes throughout the day.
“My sister donated the game board,” Moleski said. “She has a party rental company, so I’ve kind of taken this one over!”
In between placing bets, the residents munched on cookies and sipped dainty cups of mint lemonade.
“I thought it was a little early for mint juleps,” Bondi joked.
Everyone cast their votes for the resident they believed had created the most beautiful hat, and the winner received a prize. By the end of the day, though, everyone got a small prize.
“We have a great time,” Moleski said. “We enjoy giving back to the community. The joy of spending time with the seniors…it’s just amazing.”
Moleski said she usually has three to five caregivers who volunteer their time for events like this.
“It’s very rewarding,” Moleski said. “We’re just out to have a good day and spread some happiness.”
The smile underneath each festooned hat signaled a job well done.