On Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m., Bel-Wood Nursing Home residents will participate in a pigeon release as part of their National Nursing Home Week (NNHW) celebration. Many of Bel-Wood's 250+ residents will simultaneously release homing pigeons from the front lawn of the nursing home, 6701 W Plank Road in Peoria. The Peoria Invitational Club will provide homing pigeons for the event. Members of the club will be at the event to assist with the pigeon release. Homing pigeons have been trained to return home and have been known to travel between 100 and several hundred miles before returning to their home base.

 

Bel-Wood is releasing homing pigeons to raise awareness for UNICEF; last year the residents released purple balloons to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease.The nursing home elected for pigeons instead of balloons this year as a more environmentally friendly way to raise awareness for charity. This is Bel-Wood's first pigeon release and is one of many fun activities residents will participate in during NNHW.

Not only does National Nursing Home Week allow Bel-Wood an opportunity to celebrate residents and their family members from May 10 - 16, but it also affords Bel-Wood occasion to recognize employees for their commitment to quality care. The theme of this year's NNHW is "Nurturing a Love that Lasts," and Bel-Wood staff has been diligently planning many activities for both residents and employees this week. For more information on the pigeon release and other NNHW activities, please call Bel-Wood Nursing Home at (309) 697-4541.