Galentine’s Day is for gals of all ages! NHC is a place where many seniors go to spend their golden years in comfort, but for residents Sue and Martha, it’s a place that brought them together as the best of friends, making NHC more than just a place to call home.  NHC Healthcare Center is a place where many seniors go to spend their golden years in comfort, but for residents Sue and Martha, it’s a place that brought them together as the best of friends, making NHC more than just a place to call home.

So, for this Galentine’s Day, NHC highlights the unbreakable bond of Martha and Sue, two women who have proven that friendship is the best gift of all.

Sue, 76, and Martha, 90, have formed a bond that changed their days at the NHC Healthcare Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They both moved in at the beginning of 2022, and from that moment on, they have been inseparable.

They enjoy spending all their time together whether that’s getting their nails done, gossiping over a good meal, or singing gospel songs which is a favorite for NHC Admissions Coordinator Stacey Priestley. “You can walk down the halls and definitely hear Ms. Martha belting them out and Ms. Sue just carrying along with her,” said Priestley with a smile.

They have become each other’s support system, always there to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand. Their friendship has not gone unnoticed by the staff and other residents at NHC, who often marvel at the way these two women bring out the best in each other. “Sue and Martha are a dynamic duo. They are like Lucy to Ethel,” said Wellness Director Caitlyn Scott, “I always say when I grow up I hope to have a friendship like that because it is truly something special.”

One of the things that makes Martha and Sue’s friendship so special is the way they have proven that friendship knows no age limit and that it’s never too late to find someone who will love and accept you for who you are. “She keeps me straight,” said Sue as Martha burst into laughter.

And as for Martha, she shared the same sentiment.

“If I’m in a bad mood, she gets me out of it right quick,” said Martha with a click of her tongue.

As they look back on the time they’ve spent together, they are filled with gratitude for the friendship they have found and for the memories they have made. “I love you, Martha, forever,” said Sue as she reached her hand to hold Sue’s arm.

“Well, I love you too,” Martha returned.

“Forever and ever,” said Sue.

It’s moments like this that remind us of the importance of friendship. Studies have even shown that loneliness can be just as dangerous to one’s health as smoking and is an even greater risk factor than obesity and a sedentary lifestyle (Holt-Lunstad, 2010). No need for Martha and Sue to worry though, as their bond has certainly put loneliness at bay.

And that bond is why we celebrate the women in our lives who bring joy, laughter, and support into our lives. So, from the staff and residents of all NHC locations, happy Galentine’s Day!

 

To learn more about NHC, visit our homepage.

 

ref: Holt-Lunstad, J., & Smith, T. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. SciVee. doi: 10.4016/19911.01.

We work hard to celebrate all of the amazing patients, partners, and family members who make up our centers. But there’s another group you may not know about that brings love, friendship, and wellness to our NHC community: the NHC dogs. 

Whether patients are visiting us for a short stay or living full-time in one of our long-term care centers, these furry friends help patients feel at home and remind them that they’re not alone. It’s no surprise, then, that therapy dogs are proven to reduce depression and anxiety for many of the people who interact with them. 

Beyond the emotional benefits, did you know that dogs can also help people heal faster from an injury or illness? Some of the dogs you might see around your center are “facility therapy dogs” or “animal assisted therapy dogs.” These dogs are trained to work with a physical or occupational therapist to help patients with a variety of exercises, movements, and tasks. 

We even find that our “therapeutic visitation dogs” — who are mostly there to offer emotional support — bring a playful energy that encourages patients who are able to be more active and engaged.

It’s not uncommon to find a patient who’s hesitant to mingle with their peers coming out of their room to join the fun when one of our dog friends arrives for a visit. And if they’re unable to leave their bed, our visitation dogs are always willing to drop by their room for some one-on-one attention and cuddles.

Keep an eye out for a friendly therapy dog the next time you visit one of our centers, and don’t be afraid to give them some love!