Back in the saddle
You are making it possible for residents to get moving again.
It had been years since Karen Hendrie rode a bike.
But that all changed one sunny July morning. Accompanied by Lynn Benyon, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and Sara Jibb, Occupational Therapist, Karen enjoyed a cycle around Parkwood Institute – with a smile on her face the entire time.
Karen, a patient in the Geriatric Psychiatry program, is one of the first people to use the program’s new Triobike Taxi cargo bike. This electric “couch on wheels” features seatbelts and harnesses to keep residents safe as they zip around for therapeutic recreation. The bike was funded entirely through a generous donation by The Walter J. Blackburn Foundation.
“It feels amazing,” Karen says about taking the bike for a spin.
If you’ve ever visited Parkwood, you may have seen roads and trails weaving through the wooded areas behind the hospital. Known as the Westminster Ponds conservation area, this peaceful and quiet space holds special meaning for patients, visitors and staff.
The Triobike allows patients to explore the conservation area, see wildlife and enjoy the ride from up front while a staff member pedals. This experience can feel especially fulfilling for people in the geriatric psychiatry program: seniors with complex medical needs like dementia, cognitive impairments, mental illness and other health conditions.
The goal of inpatient geriatric psychiatry is to help people feel stable and secure at this stage in their journey. Therapeutic activities like cycling are vital to the care experience. Being able to safely venture outside is beneficial for their mental and emotional wellbeing, and the physical sensation of a bike rides can reawaken positive memories of being young. It’s also a fun and social experience that can lead to better sleep, less anxiety and curb feelings of loneliness. “Plus, fresh air is good for all of us,” says David Allen, Clinical Manager.
Krista Harloff, Coordinator, Mental Health Ambulatory and Outreach, shares that patients are lining up to get a chance to go for a ride. “We had a patient who was waiting to be placed into long term care and she was so excited to go on the bike,” says Krista. “She actually requested that we take a picture of her using it so she could show it to her son.”
David recalls a patient who ran at a professional level for most of his life. His love for running and spending time outdoors fueled his daily workouts for years. But new health challenges as he aged forced his running career into retirement. His care teams are excited for him to use the new Triobike and feel that sensation of wind in his hair again.
For these patients, reconnecting with things they enjoy has a huge impact on their health and happiness. “I know that if I found myself in a position where I wasn’t able to do the things I love on my own, it would be really hard,” says Krista. “Being able to bring this bike right into their environment is so helpful.”
Your Donation Matters Here
You can support recreational activities that will enable better recovery and rehabilitation outcomes for patients with a donation to the Mental Health Care program at St. Joseph's.