Retreat Has New Director of Nursing
The Retreat Nursing Home has a new Director of Nursing—Kim Whitehead. Ms. Whitehead brings 16+ years of long-term care experience with her to the Retreat.
Most of that experience occurred in Florida, in the Ocala area, where she moved from about a year ago. She and her husband have a little farm with horses, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, geese, and of course, a garden. They live in Mansfield, just over the Jasper County line, and she said she loves the outdoors. Of her commute, she said it is beautiful and serene and there is no traffic.
Mrs. Whitehead grew up in Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Tennessee. Then the family moved to Florida for a time to enjoy fishing and other activities. The couple (by then the children were all grown) purchased a small farm in Florida, and when they made the decision to move to Georgia they wanted something similar. All five children, and five grandchildren, are in Tennessee, around Knoxville, and she said it’s not nearly the drive to visit that it was from Florida.
She said growing up in the country as she did, Florida was not really home. However, Mansfield is. Her father-in-law lives in Conyers, which is part of what prompted the move to this area. Mrs. Whitehead said from the first time she drove by The Retreat, she had a feeling it was the place for her.
Hospital administrator Jan Gaston said she is glad that Mrs. Whitehead is bringing a wealth of experience to the job. She began on Monday of Nursing Home Week. Besides crowning the king and queen (see related story), lots of other festivities were planned for the week.
Monday was patriotic day, and U.S. History trivia followed the ice cream social. Tuesday was t-shirt and jeans day, with rock painting fun planned in the morning. After an employee lunch, the residents were going to have show and tell, and share life stories.
Wednesday was hat day, and a representative of the Chamber of Commerce was going to tell stories about Monticello. An employee service pin luncheon was planned for noon, and a magic show was scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Today, May 17, is decade day, where staff and residents are encouraged to dress from their favorite decade. A segment on current events is planned at 10 a.m., and they will play big bucks Bingo at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon.
Friday is team spirit day where everyone is encouraged to sport the colors of their favorite team. There is a singing planned for 10 a.m, and the residents will enjoy a picnic on the patio at noon. They will round out the afternoon with karaoke at 2:30 p.m.
The Retreat welcomes visitors, and it’s a good week to tell the staff how much they are appreciated, and visit with the residents, whether they are old or new friends.
