Warm Hearth Village resident Bill Claus rocked around the clock today.
Today, June 20, is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The Alzheimer’s Association brings attention to this day each year to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and the caregivers who support those with it. On this day, people from across the world fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through a fundraising activity of their choice.
Blacksburg’s Warm Hearth Village arranged “Rockin’ ‘Round the Clock” to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s. Residents, family and community members sent a five- to ten-second video or photograph of themselves or a small group in rocking chairs. Once the videos and photos were collected, they were compiled into a montage and posted today, June 20, on www.retire.org, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
The event was organized by Heather Gearhart, Warm Hearth’s Vice President of Health and Wellness, and Jonathan Tate, the village’s life enrichment manager. Of the event, Gearhart said, “Warm Hearth Village is a proud supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association and its efforts to uplift those caring for persons with dementia. On June 20, The Longest Day, Warm Hearth says a special thank you to all caregivers: professional, family, long-distance and friends. Thank you for all you do.”
Warm Hearth Village cares for many seniors who are impacted by dementia. The organization strives to be a leader in the community in advocacy and resources for those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s and has helped residents and staff better understand and care for those with the disease. The village has been recognized as Virginia’s first Dementia Friendly Business and through Dementia Friends, the nonprofit senior community strives to engage the Blacksburg community to make it dementia friendly as well.
WHV also hosts a caregiver support group every other week that is open to the public, a monthly memory café, which is a safe and welcoming environment for seniors learning to deal with Alzheimer’s disease, and a bimonthly Alzheimer’s Association-sponsored support group (These offerings are currently on hiatus because of the coronavirus.)
Warm Hearth Village is a nonprofit senior living community in Blacksburg that provides a full continuum of living options on the campus and in the home.
