A Calgary senior’s centre now has a specially modified Duet bike to get residents back on bike paths.
The bike is a cross between a bicycle and a wheelchair, with a senior or disabled person riding up front and a second person peddling in behind. Newport Harbour Care Centre debuted the bike on Monday, and so far, it’s a hit.
“I am going on anything that is different, I like to try things, and I am kind of daring, I’ve done it all my life, I rode horseback for 17 years,” said Helen Mutchler, who lives at the centre. “On this day, I am a happy 99-year-old woman!”
Mobility has been difficult for Mutchler, who needs a wheelchair to get around. The chance to go out cycling with a staff member is a rare opportunity to recapture her more active days, something the centre hopes more residents will take advantage of.
“If we can give these opportunities that can give them a glimmer of what they used to have or even give them something new, what an incredible gift,” said Margot Hagarty, Newport Harbour Care Centre.
Hagarty was excited to hear about the bike last year when a staff member mentioned working with one at a centre in Ontario. Newport Harbour and it’s families started fundraising last fall in every way they could, from bake sales to silent auctions, and were able to raise the $11,000 needed to buy the bike. Mutchler said it is just one of the ways the centre is trying to enhance quality of life for residents.
“The last 18 months, we have really focused on a new philosophy of enhancing initiatives that enhance quality care, so we have done some fun things like we have a cat now, we have a couple birds, and we went from there to start an iPod program,” she said. “Music is just so helpful for any cognition issues or just pure enjoyment.”
Staff members are trained to use the Duet bike safely, but soon, family members will be able to get certified to use the bike as well.
