Tulsa Care Center Seeking People To ‘Adopt’ Patients To Brighten Their Holiday

Christmas is a season of giving and a Tulsa Alzheimer's care center said they are looking for people to brighten patients’ holidays by crossing off items on their Christmas lists.

It's been a rough year for everyone, but especially patients in care centers who may have gone months without seeing family.

By letting people "adopt" patients and give them presents, Green Country Care Center is hoping it'll make their spirits a little brighter.

Green Country Care Center Administrator Julie Justice said the angel tree gift donations not only brings good tidings and joy, but sparks memories.

"It's always a joy in their face. They enjoy the color, they enjoy the presents, the food, they can see the excitement in the faces of the staff as well,” Justice said. "It's those Christmas scenes and the Christmas music, those are all triggers for good things."

The colors and sounds of Christmas bringing those feelings back in focus is more important this year than ever.

"They've had to stay in their rooms, they do not get the family contact that they normally receive," Justice said. "They can still see their families from the window but it's just not the same."

The angel tree at the Green Country Care Center near 36th St. N and Lewis has ornaments representing each resident - or angel - with a short list of what they'd like for Christmas this year.

It's simple things like jackets, games for entertainment, and a popular item - socks.

"Anybody can adopt an angel, it doesn't have to be staff, it can be anyone in the community," Justice said.

It's about a lot more than just the gifts, adopting an angel lets them know that someone cares for them.

"It's a good time to remember our nursing home residents because they've been through a lot," Justice said. "It's good to know that the community is supporting them and that they're out there."

There are still a few patients here who haven't been adopted yet.

You can find more on how to do that by calling the care center's office at (918) 428-3600 or emailing act1.greencountry@phoenixhealthcarellc.com

The deadline for gifts to be dropped off at the facility is December 15.