The Bristol at Tampa 
Rehabilitation and Nursing Center came in first in the state in FHCA’s Long Term Care Photo Contest, which aims to highlight the daily life in Florida’s outstanding care centers. The image, “#RenewalHappensHere” (at right), prevailed over more than 100 photos to win the annual contest and earn a $500 prize to be used toward resident activities.
Over the period of a few weeks, contest finalists’ photos were displayed on FHCA’s Facebook page, generating more than 6,500 online votes. Palm Garden of Largo in Seminole placed second in the annual contest, earning $300 with the entry, “Love for Amos.” The third-place entry, “Lighting the Menorah,” earned a $200 prize for The Rehabilitation Center at Jupiter Gardens.
“These photos capture the real zest for life present in all of Florida’s skilled nursing centers,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA’s executive director. “The joy of residents, families, and staff comes shining through in these incredible images, which showcase the outstanding quality of life being enjoyed at centers across our state.”
The first-place photo was submitted by The Bristol at Tampa Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, a warm and close-knit subacute CareRite Center proudly serving Tampa and the surrounding area. The photo features James J., a resident who is one of the center’s biggest success stories. A jokester, incredible artist, and active participant in the center’s vast therapeutic recreational program offerings, James shows off his fun-loving nature by posing next to a Suzuki motorcycle. The wheels are owned by the husband of Vincenza Shihada, the center’s director of business development pictured right, who snapped the image. For submitting the top vote-getting photo, the center will receive a $500 award that can be used for any activity to benefit its residents and staff.
“We are so proud of all our residents and their constant accomplishments,” Shihada said. “We knew this photo of Mr. James would be a perfect way to show how renewal truly happens here at The Bristol.”
Second place went to Palm Garden of Largo, with the photo, “Love for Amos,” taken by Annie Johnson, the center’s life enrichment director. In the photo, the lovely Edith is enjoying quality time with the center’s monthly visitor and wonder horse Amos. Johnson knew she had to capture the moment after Edith could barely contain her excitement when Amos walked in.
“I took this photograph to capture the elated emotions Edith had when she initially saw Amos,” Johnson recalled. “For me, this picture represents how much love both Edith and Amos have to share with others.”
Third place went to The Rehabilitation Center at Jupiter Gardens for the photo, “Lighting the Menorah,” taken by Justin Lavian, the center’s director of concierge services and assistant administrator.
This photo shows Frances, a beloved resident and center entrepreneur, lighting a menorah in the center’s community area. Frances is known for the beautiful beads she sells to raise money for supplies in the center’s activity center. “The light on her face was brighter than the menorah itself,” said Lavian, who works to ensure that the center’s residents are fully satisfied with their stay. “You could just tell she was reliving a very dear part of her childhood.”
The annual photo contest is open to photographers who live, work, or volunteer in an FHCA member care center or who work with an FHCA associate member. Winning photographers receive a $50 Visa gift card. Submissions depict daily life in a care center, including health-related services, activities, and events.
The winning photos will be displayed during the FHCA Annual Conference & Trade Show, July 15-19, 2018 at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla. To view all the entries from FHCA’s 2018 Photo Contest, click here.
