No matter the topic, Miss Alabama Nursing Home 2014 Edna Farrell is never at a loss for words.

As she prepares to pass the crown, the Alabama Nursing Home Association listened as Ms. Farrell dispensed advice and talked about her year of service.

We also spoke with Ms. Farrell’s traveling companion, Arbor Springs Health & Rehab Center Social Worker Victoria Hudnall.

ANHA: Looking back, did you expect to win the pageant in 2014? How did it make you feel?

Farrell: I had no idea at all. I mean I have never run to be a queen or a king or anything else like that. This was quite a nice plan as far as I was concerned. It made me feel very good because I think I was the oldest lady there.

From left to right: Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Patton, Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Edna Farrell and Storybrook Farm Founder and Director Dena Kittle.

From left to right: Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Patton, Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Edna Farrell and Storybrook Farm Founder and Director Dena Kittle.

ANHA: How did you prepare for your speaking engagements? What did you enjoy most about the events?

Farrell: I didn’t have anything definite in mind. The first thing that came to my mind was what I said. I’ve been a teacher for a number of years and it has helped to be able to talk to anybody. I enjoyed the food that I had in the various places. I enjoyed the people I met.

Hudnall: Edna is very spunky, outspoken and vivacious, but she never failed us. She always went up there and hit a homerun with her speeches and everybody falls in love with her.

ANHA: What advice do you have for nursing home residents?

Farrell: You have to work with the people on the floor as well as be a patient. You can’t have everything done your way. You have to learn to listen to what they say because they know what they’re doing.

ANHA: What’s your favorite thing about your nursing home, Arbor Springs Health & Rehab Center?

Farrell: I like the food and I like the view. I have a chance to look out over grounds that are prepared and two bunnies. I have enjoyed my stay at my nursing home and I hope everyone finds one that’s just as nice as this one.

ANHA: What has Ms. Farrell meant to Arbor Springs?

Hudnall: Even before she was Ms. Arbor Springs or Ms. Alabama Nursing Home, she meant a great deal to us just because of her vivacious personality. As she got more comfortable in the nursing home, she would make her way throughout the units and put a smile on people’s faces because she is genuinely caring.

ANHA: What should a person look for when choosing a nursing home?

Farrell: Try to get where your family can visit you or the people in church can come and see you. My minister comes once a week to visit me, which I enjoy tremendously since I can’t get out to go to church. Editor’s note: one of Ms. Farrell’s sons lives near Arbor Springs and visits her on a regularly basis.

ANHA: Finally, what advice do you have for this year’s top 10 finalists and the eventual winner?

Farrell: I think the thing you have to think about is, what you are trying to do to help. If there is a need for help, ask how you can improve the service in the nursing home. (The winner should) listen to what people say and use her experience to help her help someone else.

Hudnall: It (winning) definitely didn’t go to Edna’s head. She’s still Edna the whole time. She’s had a few words of wisdom for our 2015 Ms. Arbor Springs. It’s been interesting to sit down and watch them talk about what she’s going to have to prepare for and all those fun things.

Editor’s Note: The Alabama Nursing Home Association sincerely thanks Ms. Farrell for her unselfish service and commitment to nursing home residents across Alabama.

The top 10 finalists for the 2015 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant will be announced on Thursday, July 9. Click here for more information about the pageant.

Beginning Monday, July 13, ANHA.org will post a profile story each day about one of the top 10 finalists. Please share the contestant stories on social media to show your support for each lady.