Nurse Appreciation Week: The Legacy of Florence Nightingale
- Details
- Category: News
- Published on Thursday, 09 May 2013 12:59
Health Care Reform is not a new idea. Some facet of health care has always been at the center of change long before modern politicians used it as a platform to win elections. Today’s proposed governmental changes to health care have most dazed and confused. Exactly who the reform will help is unclear.In the history of health care, there is one woman who did more to improve our health care system than any other. So much so that she is known as the “inventor of modern nursing”. That woman was Florence Nightingale. Born May 12, 1820 in Florence, Italy, Nightingale brought public health to the forefront and instigated reform up until she died on August 13th, 1910 in London England.
“I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results.” - Florence Nightingale
Nightingale took action in the implementation of public health policies and administration which attributed to lowering the death rate among soldiers during the Crimean War (1853–56) by two-thirds. She didn’t wait for others, she recognized horrible conditions and took action by providing direct care, educating, raising money and creating awareness. After the war, she continued to focus her efforts on improving military hospitals and the care they provided. From there, she turned her attention to improving sanitation and overall public care.
“So never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed
germinates and roots itself.” –Florence Nightingale
What is most striking about Nightingale was her selfless attitude, disregard for those who don’t contribute, shunning of her wealthy family and her tenacity to contribute effectively by improving the conditions of the world during a period of history where women were not viewed as worthy influencers. Nightingale did not live out her mission for the good of women’s liberation, or to be awarded medals of honor, or to go down in history books. Her mission was that of a spiritual kind, to do the right thing by correcting obvious wrongs of the world where most others were overwhelmed with the challenge. She knew that even the smallest of efforts could eventually make up sweeping reform.
“It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a Hospital that it should do the sick no harm.” - Florence Nightingale, 1859
As Nurse Appreciation Week draws to an end, it important to reflect on the pioneer of this most respected and necessary profession. Over a hundred years later, Nightingale still reminds us that effective health care reform is more about the mission rather than about the dollar. Her life is a fascinating story. If there is one law to include in health care reform today, it should mandate that all policy makers read her biography. How great it would be if a hundred years from now, the improvements from this reform would be so effective it would be historical.
Christmas Party 2012
- Details
- Category: Press Releases
- Published on Monday, 31 December 2012 09:08
Amberwood Care Centre - Rockford, IL
Amberwood Care Centre celebrated Christmas with a big party for all of the residents as well as their guests. One of Amberwood's residents, Hubert D., dressed up as Santa Claus and entertained staff and residents by passing out candy canes and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
The "Amberwood Choir" (put together by 10 residents) performed for everyone and led us all in singing a few familiar Christmas Tunes. They have been practicing for weeks and they sounded great!
In a wonderful display of the Christmas spirit, Rockford Health System's Medical Laboratories donated a gift for each resident at Amberwood. These gifts, along with the "Giving Tree" gifts that staff, family and local area citizens purchased, were all passed out during the celebration. Of course, it wouldn't be a party without some treats. The kitchen staff prepared sandwiches, cookies, punch and snacks for everyone to enjoy.
Between the amazing generosity of the Rockford Health System's Medical Laboratories and those that participated in the "Giving Tree" program, all of our residents had an extra special Christmas this year. A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this possible.
If you are interested in learning more about life at Amberwood Care Centre or would like to schedule a tour, please call 815-964-2200 or email us
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Giving Tree at Amberwood
- Details
- Category: Community Announcements
- Published on Thursday, 06 December 2012 15:53
Amberwood Care Centre – Rockford, IL
It's time once again to make the Amberwood Residents’ Christmas wishes come true!
Each year, Amberwood Care Centre organizes their “Giving Tree” program which provides family, friends, staff and the general public an opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for our residents, making their holidays extra special. Gifts will be distributed at the annual Amberwood Christmas Party. If you are interested in participating, this how the program works:
1. Take a numbered card or cards from the baskets located in the front lobby, under the Christmas tree.
2. Tear off the TOP part of card and keep for suggestions of what the resident wants/needs.
3. Fill out the BOTTOM part of the card with YOUR name and a phone number where you can be reached. Drop the filled out card in the decorated box near the baskets.
4. Bring your wrapped gift(s) with the person's number on each gift, to Amberwood Care Centre by December 20th.
5. Enjoy the wonderful holiday feeling of knowing you made a difference in a resident's life!
We ask that you limit the amount you spend to under $20 per person. If you have any questions regarding “The Giving Tree”, please contact Mary in Activities at 815-964-2200. For all other questions regarding Amberwood Care Centre, please call 815-964-2200 or email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Halloween at Amberwood
- Details
- Category: Community Announcements
- Published on Friday, 02 November 2012 11:45
Amberwood Care Centre - Rockford, IL
Amberwood celebrated Halloween with their annual "Spooktacular Halloween" party for the residents. The Activity Department organized and lead several games and amusements for the all of the guests. There was a "Pumpkin Toss" and "Grabbing for Apples", which was a unique twist on an old favorite. The staff suspended red and green apples from the ceiling with brightly colored ribbons. The residents would use "grabbers" from a seated position and try to capture an apple with.jpg)
the mechanical fingers. this was a favorite and more than once ended with everyone in laughter. There was also a dance contest to such traditional favorites as the Monster Mash and Zombie Dance. During the party, residents had a chance to guess how many pieces of Halloween candy were in a jar. The winner received a prize. The staff had plenty of costumes for everyone, as well as delicious treats. The Oreo spider cookies with pretzel legs were a real big hit. "This was a great party." says Marketing Director, Tessa Watson. "The residents really got into the spirit of Halloween and had a blast. It was so much fun to watch everyone dancing and enjoying themselves."
If you have questions about life at Amberwood Care Centre or would like to schedule a tour of our community, please call 815-964-2200 or email us
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.