Pedals, Wind & Smiles: A New Adventure with Western Mass Wheelers
At the Leavitt Family Jewish Home, Ruth’s House Assisted Living and the Wernick Adult Day Care, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new activity: bike rides! Thanks to our partnership with Western Mass Wheelers, our seniors can now recapture the thrill and freedom of riding a bicycle. The response has been nothing short of ecstatic!!
Volunteers from Western Mass Wheelers come to our campus with specially adapted e-bikes (electric bicycles) designed for individuals who cannot pedal independently. They help our seniors climb aboard, helmet up, adjust for comfort (they bring blankets and hats!), and then together they head out for a ride. Bikes go through the neighborhood, past dog-walkers and waving neighbors. Many of our staff have joined in the fun as well.
One of our Ruth’s House residents, Helen Hart, summed it up beautifully, “Who would have imagined that I could ever ride a bicycle again? I felt like I was eight years old again. I loved every minute!”
Delila Jones, Life Enrichment Director at Ruth’s House, noted, “Our residents are transformed by these rides. They bring back so many wonderful memories of their childhood and the feeling of freedom as they ride down the road with the wind blowing in their hair. Our residents return from the ride rejuvenated and happy!”
Our nursing home residents are equally as enthused! Irene Dansereau, exclaimed, “It was truly exhilarating.” And Brian Davignon added, with great enthusiasm: “I felt like I was flying – just like the scene in the Titanic movie.”
“It’s amazing to witness the exhilaration that our memory care residents experience from these rides. The experience unlocks deeply rooted memories of their childhood, and the joys of riding a bicycle. Their smiles and laughter are contagious,” said Cheryl Gumlaw, Director of Life Enrichment at the Leavitt Home.
It’s precisely these kinds of experiences that plays a role in our new partnership. The goal is to unlock the ‘thrill of movement” and create a sense of freedom. Plus, reconnecting with community is a powerful lure.
A little about Western Mass Wheelers: this nonprofit organization is dedicated to “providing free, safe, and enjoyable bike rides across Western Massachusetts on specially adapted tricycles for individuals unable to pedal on their own.” Their mission gives people of all ages that “wind in their hair” moment, regardless of physical limitations. We are honored to bring that mission to our campus.
The Wheelers will be visiting our residence monthly, as weather permits. We look forward to picking up again in the spring when the weather warms up and the roads are clear. If you are interested in supporting this program, please contact Susan Halpern at shalpern@jgslifecare.org or 413-567-3949, ext. 3533.
