CROWLEY - When thinking of “The Amazing Race,” senior citizens are likely not the first thing that come to mind.

But with Elder Quest 2010, that may soon change.

“It is loosely based on the idea of the Amazing Race with tongue-in-cheek refences to old detective shows; such as, ‘Get Smart’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes’,” said Michele Veillon, Program Director at Elder Outreach of La.

The program is just beginning to pick up steam everywhere, according to Veillon. As they enter their second month the mystery and sleuthing themes are also now entering the picture.

Basically, the way it works is a facility receives a Challenge, once that Challenge is met, the home contacts Veillon and within about 72 hours, they receive their Mission--the activity component of the program--or a hint about their mission.

“Part of the first mission was to take 12 different people in 12 different locations representing all 12 months of the calendar,” she explained. “The next phase provides a clue or a riddle to solve. Once this is solved, each facility receives a $100 Elder Outreach voucher.”

The vouchers can be used as each facility chooses or can be saved until the end of the program.

The program will run through December with a total of seven challenges, seven missions and seven clues, and each month’s leg will have a theme. June’s was entitled “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to!”

“The facility demonstating the highest level of quality programming and participation doubles their winnings to $1400,” said Veillon.

Among the seven Louisiana participants, are Summerwood Nursing Home and Rehabilitation, Southwind Nursing Home and Rehabilitation and Southwind Assisted Living.

“Southwind Nursing, Southwind Assisted Living and Summerwood Nursing are all well on their way to meeting the mission at hand!” said Veillon. “The program will be celebrated at a party on October 27 including our mystery and race themes.

Tuesday, Southwind Nursing held its party, a pajama party, as part of their first mission.

“The program has been challenging,” said Rose Schexnayder, Activity Director of Southwind Nursing. “But it has also been exciting, rewarding, lots of fun and barrels of laughter.”

Meanwhile Southwind Assisted Living and Summerwood Nursing are working on the first part of their June mission as well.

“We’re still working on our 12 pictures,” said Jill Signorelli, Executive Director of Southwind Assisted Living. “We want to find a way to incorporate the residents path, so we think it will be worth it in the end.”

Signorelli added that they’re excited about the program and their Activity Director, Jill Villejoin, has found a way to incorporate Elder Quest into their own “Where in the World” program.

Then there’s Summerwood Nursing Home and Rehabilitations, Activity Director, Tawanna Hayes, says they are working on the 12 picture challenge portion as well.

“We’re going to have each picture with a mystery style,” said Hayes. “So, it’s going to be quite interesting.”

Elder Outreach has created Facebook and Twitter accounts for Elder Quest 2010 to allow everyone a chance to see the events. The Facebook page can be found by searching Elder Quest and their Twitter name is ElderOutreach. A blog will also be started called “EldeRevolution” to detail events from the program and other company-wide events.