Novi, Michigan, December 22, 2024, When Chelsey Pratt saw a social media post asking if any local middle or high school students were available to sing for ShorePointe Health and Rehabilitation
Center, she didn’t pay it much attention.
The music teacher for South Lake Public Schools has students at Avalon and Elmwood elementary schools and the post specifically asked for middle or high school performers,
“People kept tagging me in the post so I finally reached out to ShorePointe and they were all for bringing our elementary students to sing for their residents,” Pratt said.
Pratt’s second and third graders were preparing for a winter concert, so the ShorePointe performances helped them to prepare.
“I replaced some of the dress rehearsals with the caroling at ShorePointe,” said Pratt.
One hundred and fifteen St. Clair Shores students were broken into five sections and over the course of two weeks, each group traveled to ShorePointe to sing holiday songs and interact with the residents.
“We stayed with the residents for a little bit after we sang and passed out cards and goody bags we had made the week before,” Pratt said. “They’re used to looking at an audience and seeing people they know, but here there were strangers so it was a different experience for them.
“You should have seen the looks on these kids’ faces; they were so excited.”
Pratt said several students told her it was their favorite field trip.
“The students are learning about empathy and wanted to share joy with the residents,” Pratt said. “I was expecting the kids to be a little freaked out because there are all kinds of residents, some with various disabilities, but the children were so completely understanding and knew exactly how to work with them.
“We all got a lot out of the experience.”
About Optalis Healthcare
Optalis has now expanded to 34 locations in Michigan and Ohio including skilled nursing and assisted living communities.
With decades of experience, Optalis Healthcare is a proven leader in the industry. Combining their expertise in post acute and senior living care with their profound compassion has led to providing exceptional care across Southeastern Michigan and the Columbus Ohio area. Founded with the mission statement of “Grounded by Principle, Guided by Purpose”, it is our belief that outstanding healthcare begins with a sincere commitment to service, and a strong emphasis on individualized care. Optalis residents experience unparalleled care, luxurious amenities, and security.
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