The holidays are a time traditionally associated with family, and area nursing homes and assisted living facilities are making sure that tradition continues for their residents.
"We're their family here. We celebrate with our families, and since they're (also) our family, we provide a Thanksgiving meal to them," said Regina Johnson, activities director at Fulton Nursing and Rehab, noting patients' "original families are welcome, too."
She said her facility's plans for Thanksgiving also include a pie and coffee social for residents and their families tonight.
Jeff Young, activities director at Fulton Presbyterian Manor, also plans to keep the focus on family time.
"We are having families come out and have dinner - we have a boatload of people coming out to spend the day with their families, and we're doing a full, traditional Thanksgiving lunch with your typical cranberries and turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes," Young said. "It is that time of year when family gets together, and we try to accommodate our residents in getting together with their families.
"In some cases, this is the only time when extended family can come out and spend time with grandma or grandpa."