News

Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center Joins Movement for Alzheimer's Awareness

Skilled Nursing Facility “Goes Purple”; Holds Other Support Activities

June 29, 2023

OBLONG, Ill. – More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's Disease, says the Alzheimer's Association, reminding us that June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.

To show its support, Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center is joining individuals and organizations around the world in holding activities to raise awareness of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The skilled nursing facility, in Oblong, is "going purple," the official color of Alzheimer's awareness, to educate people about this condition and raise funds to help those with the disease.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia – a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases.

“Ridgeview cares for many people in the community with memory conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer's,” said its administrator, Nancy Gelsinger. “We realize how important it is for these patients to be nurtured and get specialized care in a compassionate environment. We also want to do our part in helping to accelerate critical research and find a cure.”

Skilled Nursing Facility Holding Alzheimer's Events

To raise awareness during Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center will “go purple” by:

• Holding a Longest Day celebration for staff and residents where staff were encouraged to wear purple and enjoy a variety of carry-in food items
• Having multiple days where staff will wear purple
• Offering multiple opportunities throughout the month for furthering Alzheimer's education for staff members

Special Event on June 21

In addition, on June 21 – the summer solstice – Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center participated in activities to shine light on the darkness of Alzheimer's during the year's longest day. The idea for the Longest Day project came from the Alzheimer's Association, which has developed dozens of ideas for observing this day, such as fundraising events or hosting a fun activity.

About Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center

Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center is a 55-bed skilled nursing facility in Oblong, Ill., providing long-term care, short-term care, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehab-to-home, speech therapy, hospice care, respite care, and specializes in bariatric care. The center is currently accepting new admissions for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. For further information, please contact Sarah Lemons at (217) 294-0020 or visit the Ridgeview Health and Rehab Center website at ridgeviewhrc.com.