FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2008

Heroes in Long Term Care Honored during National Nursing Home Week in Illinois

CHICAGO – During May, as part of National Nursing Home Week May 11-17, the Illinois Council on Long Term Care and the Illinois Health Care Association are recognizing “heroes” of long-term care facilities in Illinois – dedicated and caring staff members and residents who have made meaningful contributions to the lives of their facilities.

Heroes at Illinois Council on Long Term Care member facilities include:

Aurora – Stephanie Cooper, Assistant Activity Director, Countryside Care Centre

Belleville – Harold J. Stockley, Resident, The Lincoln Home

Belvidere – Elvira Powell, Certified Nursing Assistant, Maple Crest Care Centre

Belvidere – Georgia Schnor, Director of Nursing, Northwoods Care Centre

Belvidere – Judy Watterson, Beautician, Maple Crest Care Centre

Belvidere – Penny Fowler, Certified Nursing Assistant, Maple Crest Care Centre

Bethalto – Claudia Moran, Administrator, Bethalto Care Center

Bethalto – Portia Gordon, Director of Nursing, Bethalto Care Center

Chicago – Anesta Robinson, Activity Assistant, Mid-America Care Center

Chicago – Arlene Oshimokin, Food Services Director, International Village

Chicago – Brecilda Rodriguez, Registered Nurse, Arbour Health Care Center

Chicago – Barbara Walker, Certified Nursing Assistant, Peterson Park Health Care

Chicago – Frances Taylor, Licensed Practical Nurse, Renaissance at Midway

Chicago – Gladys Moton, Receptionist, Bryn Mawr Care

Chicago – Jerlene Liptrot, HIM Director, South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Chicago – Kimberly Tolbert, Certified Nursing Assistant, Ridgeview Rehab and Nursing

Chicago – Michelle Koder, Director of Nursing, Mayfield Care Center

Chicago – Renetta Jasper, Social Service Assistant, Warren Park Nursing Pavilion

Chicago – Rufus Moore, Social Worker, Washington Heights Nursing and Rehab Center

Chicago Heights -- Gladys Cherry, Receptionist, Prairie Manor Nursing and Rehab Center

Decatur – June Smith, MDS/Care Plan Director, Aspen Ridge Care Center

Deerfield – Sharon LeLoup, Central Supply Clerk, Whitehall of Deerfield

Des Plaines – Barbara Kenar, Wound Care Nurse, Ballard Health Care

Hickory Hills – Linda Barnes, Certified Nursing Assistant, Hickory Nursing Pavilion

Joliet – Sr. Odelia Kloc, Activity Assistant, Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home

Joliet – Sr. Peter Didier, Resident, Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home

Lisle – Claire Lovato, Recreation Services Aide, Snow Valley Nursing and Rehab

Morris – Cookie Progress, Assistant Administrator, Walnut Grove Village

Morris – Mary Alice Peterson, Resident, Walnut Grove Village

Niles – Summer Hasan, Volunteer, Regency Healthcare and Rehab

Niles – Teresa Szostek, Certified Nursing Assistant, Regency Healthcare and Rehab

Naperville – Raul Gachuz, Director of Dietary, Community Nursing and Rehab Center

Oak Lawn – Linda Sedakis, Laundry Aide, Concord Extended Care

Roselle – Ilona Jarosz, Registered Nurse, Abbington Rehab and Nursing Center

Shabbona – Marion Wald, Registered Nurse, Shabbona Health Care Center

South Elgin – Claudette Brugger, Medical Records, Tower Hill Healthcare Center

South Holland – Sophia Gentels, Certified Nursing Assistant, Windmill Nursing Pavilion

Springfield – Lucille Williamson, Resident, Springfield Terrace

Springfield – Vickie Lewis, Director of Nursing, Capitol Care Center

 “These people are shining examples of the heroes who live and work in long term care facilities throughout Illinois. They demonstrate every day a level of commitment and caring that is unsurpassed,” said David Voepel, executive director of IHCA.

“We are proud to recognize these special heroes in long term care who have made a difference in the lives of others,” said Terrence Sullivan, executive director of the Illinois Council on Long Term Care. “We salute their achievements.”

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The Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional association representing more than 22,000 long-term care professionals and caregivers serving 30,000 residents receiving care and treatment in more than 150 nursing homes in Illinois.

IHCA is a non-profit organization comprised of nearly 500 licensed and certified long-term care facilities and programs throughout the state, including DD services, Assisted Living and Geriatric/Nursing facilities. Founded in 1950, IHCA is the largest long-term care association in Illinois.