This spring, some CHCC residents will enjoy sunshine on their skin and wind through their hair as they breathe fresh air, experience new sights and sounds, and make new memories.
Outdoor bike rides are coming to Christian Health Care Center.
CHCC is rolling out a new program in April to give those who live here the opportunity to ride on specially designed trishaws through the parks and along the paths near our Lynden long-term care center.
This guided cycling program is made possible by support from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Civil Money Penalties Reinvestment Program to enhance life in skilled nursing facilities. Money from the program was used to buy two trishaws from Cycling Without Age, an international organization based in Copenhagen that provides experiences like this throughout the world.
One of our new trishaws is wheelchair accessible, and the other seats two passengers so staff can accompany a passenger, if needed.
Outside once again in beautiful Lynden
Many of the people who now call CHCC home were raised in Lynden and throughout rural Whatcom County. Over a lifetime, these individuals enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, gardening, watching youth sports in local parks, creek fishing and more.
We believe that expanding CHCC’s recreation program to include guided cycling adventures through the Cycling Without Age program will bring many moments of joy to the lives of our residents. Moving through familiar parks and trails – seeing children playing, hearing water in the creek, experiencing nature – can bring back many fond memories for those who grew up around Lynden.
CHCC is located directly across the street from Bender Family Recreational Park – a 56-acre open-space park that features trails, sporting fields, picnic areas and a large playground. It is a place for multigenerational gatherings nearly year-round. A flat, paved trail winds through Bender Family Recreational Park, and the 3-mile Jim Kaemingk Sr. Trail, which crosses Fishtrap Creek in several places, is scenic and well suited for trishaw bike outings.
Changing the perception of aging
Not only will the trishaws bring joy to long-term care residents, the bikes will also help change the perception of aging in our community. With an active cycling program, CHCC hopes to show people of all ages that many life-enriching activities can take place in the final stages of life. A lot of living happens at Christian Health Care Center!
Through initiatives such as the Eldergrow program, therapeutic recreation staff and volunteers have attempted to bring nature indoors to help keep them connected to the world around them. The addition of the Cycling Without Age program enables us to get individuals outside amid the nature and scenery they love so much.
We are thrilled to help provide those who live here an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and see the world differently. Look for CHCC’s new trishaws in Lynden’s parks this spring and summer!