The city of Highland is located in Madison County, Illinois, and has a population of nearly 10,000, 19.6 percent of whom are aged 65 and older. Across the state, around 220,000 individuals in this age range are currently living with Alzheimer's disease.
To care for this growing segment of the population, the state has come up with an Alzheimer's Disease State Plan to ensure specialized care is available for seniors with some type of dementia. This care is offered at Alzheimer's special care units, which may be available throughout the state at assisted living, shared living and supportive living facilities. Two options are available in Highland, with another 14 to choose from in neighboring communities.