Delnor to host rockathon to benefit dementia caregivers

Volunteers will be rockin' for a good cause at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Monday and Tuesday, May 6 and May 7.

For 36 hours straight, participants will be rocking in a rocking chair in the hospital's south lobby to raise funds for Elderday Center. The Batavia program provides older adult day care and memory services for those with cognitive and physical impairment, and offers support and education for caregivers.

"While rocking, our team will be speaking about our mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults and their caregivers," said Liz Wiggins, executive director of Elderday Center. "Memory impairment isn't just an individual journey; it impacts the entire family unit."

The 36-hour timespan for the event is a reference to "The 36-Hour Day," a comprehensive guide written by Nancy L. Pace and Dr. Peter V. Rabins for those caring for loved ones with dementia. The title of the book was inspired by a husband who described his experience as a full-time caregiver for his wife with dementia as the equivalent of "living a 36-hour day every day."

"In order to manage the caregivers' 36-hour day, an adult day program can provide a caregiver time for their own self-care, socialization, medical appointments, and other neglected activities," said Michael Mercury, Ph.D., director of neuropsychology at Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group.

"Adult day programs provide people with memory loss with a sense of purpose and meaning in a supportive environment with friends and caring staff members."

The rocking will begin at 6 a.m. Monday, May 6, in the south lobby of Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, 300 Randall Road in Geneva. A series of participants will keep the rocking chair moving until 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7. Pledges are being accepted for every hour the team keeps rocking.

The rockathon is a precursor to the Elderday Rocks Spring Fundraiser May 19. The family-friendly event at the Global Brew Tap House in St. Charles features live rock 'n' roll music, custom rocking chair raffles, a jail house rock game, along with food and drinks. For information call (630) 761-9750.

Elderday Center, 328 W. Wilson, Batavia, specializes in day memory care to enhance quality of life, cognition, socialization and overall wellness for adults and seniors. Elderday's care services can benefit those with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy Body dementia, Huntington's disease, cognitive impairments, and other age-related disease.

Those suffering from fragility, loneliness, isolation, anxiety and depression have been shown to benefit from the center's services.

The Neuropsychology Program at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Delnor Hospital cares for patients with cognitive difficulties from initial assessment and diagnosis all the way through treatment and rehabilitation, with the goal of maximizing quality of life.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit news.nm.org/about-northwestern-medicine.html.