The ‘Longest Day’ celebrated at the Palmerton

Members and staff of the Palmerton celebrated the Longest Day of the year in honor of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

For most people, the Longest Day simply symbolizes the beginning of summer but for those with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, everyday is the Longest Day.

“We like to make them feel special everyday,” said Erin Fox, community relations director at the Palmerton. “Our team and our care staff put in a lot of time for today,” she said.

Thursday’s activities began with events designed to indulge each resident including hand massages, Reiki, chair massages and manicures by Ascend Hospice’s licensed massage therapists.

Soon after lunch, residents were treated to an ice cream social, chair Zumba and entertainment by Skater the Entertainer in the afternoon.

“I go to everything on the schedule,” said Gladys Lindenmoyer, resident of the Palmerton. “I like to be with people.”

Staff of the Evergreen Memory Care unit shared stories about what celebrating the Longest Day means to their residents.

“Everyone seems so much more excited today,” said Ruth Anthony.

As a way to bring residents closer together, staff members Bonnie Payonk and Brandy Hefflefinger made matching T-shirts for everyone.

“They feel like they are a family now,” said Anthony.

Patience, love and dedication were the driving forces behind Thursday’s celebration. As long as we keep these values in mind, the fight to raise awareness for this disease will continue until the Longest Day is just a single day of the year.