We celebrated prom this year New Orleans style. Our décor included cardboard streetscape made by QOL team, Bourbon Street balconies, masks and fleur de lis balloons. We had great food and jazz music. Our main dining room looked like we were walking down Bourbon Street ready to celebrate Mardi Gras.
The Elders started preparing weeks in advance. Finding just the right dress, suit and most important the perfect date! Hair styles and make up was discussed daily in the beauty shop. Formal invitations were sent to families and friends of the community. The Elders help with making table pieces, making balloon arch and as always their great advice.
After many hours of getting the décor and food just right, it was time to get the night started. The Elders arrived in formal dresses and suits with their dates and families on their arms. They enjoyed listening to the jazz music until requesting dancing music! The Kind and Queen were voted on and finally revealed. Our King and Queen have been married for 70 years, and they were honored to have been chosen. They danced together while everyone cheered them on. They danced, ate and visited with family and friends for many hours.
We had one Elder that was calling herself a “cougar” and telling everyone she had the youngest date. She had asked one of our 17 year old hospitality aides for her date. He accepted not really know what he might be getting into but wanting to give a special night. He made sure their outfits matched and brought her a gorgeous corsage that night. They set at their own table, he served her punch and prepared her plate, he was the perfect date. They had been dancing during the night but when the crowd had thinned she wanted to get out her wheelchair, stand and dance. He wheeled her on the floor, helped her up out of her wheelchair and then he held her while they swayed to the music! All you could see was a great big smile and you knew at that moment she was just like anybody else dancing the night away at her very own prom!
“It is a great night for everyone, Elders, caregivers and families. With all the décor, food and music, it takes them away from reality to a place where wonderful memories are made.” – Lisa Moore
“Watching the Elders of this home smile and enjoy themselves on a regular basis just brings joy to everyone’s heart.” – Barry Cotton