Paris in the News
Paris Health & Rehab Center Joins Movement for Alzheimer's Awareness
Skilled Nursing Facility “Goes Purple”; Holds Other Support Activities
June 30, 2023
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, Paris Health & 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 Paris, 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.
“Paris Health & Rehab Center cares for many people in the community with memory conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer's,” said its CEO/administrator, Leah Jenkins. “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.”
To enable that treatment, the facility has a dedicated, secure unit with 44 beds, where residents with Alzheimer's disease and other memory conditions are cared for.
Focusing on Quality of Life
To raise awareness during Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, Paris Health & Rehab has been “going purple” by:
- Having multiple days where staff has been wearing purple
- Honoring the Longest Day with a purple balloon release at the facility on June 21st
In September, Paris Health & Rehab Center plans to participate in the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's held in Mattoon, Ill. As participants, the facility plans to host a Walking Taco Fundraiser in August to raise funds for the September event.
Special Event on June 21
In addition, on June 21 — the summer solstice - Paris Health & Rehab 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.
To mark the Longest Day, Paris Health & Rehab Center, at 1101 N. Main Street in Paris, hosted a mass balloon release where staff and residents were able to participate.
About Paris Health & Rehab Center Paris Health & Rehab Center is a 128-bed skilled nursing facility in Paris, Ill., providing long-term care, short-term care, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehab-to-home, speech therapy, hospice care, respite care, and a secure memory care unit. The center is currently accepting new admissions for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. For further information, please contact Jazzolin Beavers at 217-808-1115 or visit the Paris Health & Rehab website at parishrc.com.