It wasn't who was inside the bus that got the loud cheers.
It was the vehicle itself.
Residents of Armstrong's Pleasant Valley Manor and Enderby's Parkview Place celebrated the arrival of a custom-built recreation bus at their Music in the Parking Lot event on Saturday, June 14.
乌鸦传媒淥ur residents have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this bus,乌鸦传媒� said Meredith Grey, interim clinical operations manager of Parkview Place and Pleasant Valley Manor. 乌鸦传媒淢any of our residents face physical limitations that make it difficult to access the community. The freedom and joy they experience when they can leave the care homes significantly improves their quality of life and is truly invaluable.乌鸦传媒�
Many of the 113 long-term care residents face mobility challenges.
The bus took a year to acquire and is fully accessible, equipped with a wheelchair lift, appropriate seating, tie-downs for at least four wheelchairs, and proper seatbelts. Now, residents with mobility issues can easily 乌鸦传媒� and safely 乌鸦传媒� be transported for day trips and outings.
Both Armstrong and Enderby lack wheelchair taxi services and HandiDart services.
乌鸦传媒淲e乌鸦传媒檙e incredibly grateful to have partnered with Armstrong Spallumcheen Healthcare Auxiliary (ASHA) in offering residents a doorway into fun and adventures,乌鸦传媒� said Kate McBrearty, executive director of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (VJHF). 乌鸦传媒淭hey, like us, know that this long-awaited vehicle will have a profound impact on the lives of the residents, providing them with opportunities for meaningful community connections and experience the joy of outings.
乌鸦传媒淲e look forward to seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter that these trips will bring."
A variety of outings for the seniors has already been planned, said Grey, including scenic drives, visits to Armstrong's Interior Provincial Exhibition, the Kingfisher Interpretative Centre east of Enderby, an outing on Okanagan Lake with the Okanagan Quality Life Society's pontoon boat 'Heaven Can Wait,' and trips to casinos, parks, restaurants, concerts, sporting events, and more.
"These outings foster a sense of community belonging and improve residents乌鸦传媒� mood and physical function," said Grey.
The specially outfitted recreation vehicle cost $161,000 and was funded by $65,000 from ASHA and more than $90,000 in community donations through the VJHF.
乌鸦传媒淲e乌鸦传媒檙e very pleased to support this project," said Nora Ternier, ASHA president. "Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our residents and ensure they remain connected to their community and loved ones."
Studies have shown that social isolation can significantly impact the health of seniors, especially those in long-term care.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these effects, with many residents experiencing reduced cognitive function, mood, emotional well-being, and physical function due to limited visits.
The recreation bus will help combat social isolation, creating moments of happiness and enriching lives through community engagement and joyful moments with family.
