Brethren Care Village (BCV) residents will now be able to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air as they cruise around campus in their new wheelchair accessible golf cart.
The new ride was a part of BCV’s 2023 Spring Caring Campaign, a fundraiser held during the spring months to raise money for an item that will benefit the residents of the senior living community as a whole. With the help of many generous donors, including Ashland Elks Lodge, BCV was able to reach their funding goal and received the golf cart in Oct.
The love for cart rides was instilled in the residents when resident Paul Chorpening donated his Ohio State golf cart to the campus. Since then, BCV has been able to purchase both a second regular cart plus the new wheelchair accessible cart because the goal for the community was to make the activity more accessible.
“One of the resident’s favorite things to do is to go out and ride on a golf cart, it gives them an opportunity to see the rest of the campus. We’ve been kind of limited to only those who are able-bodied, but now with our wheelchair accessible golf cart, we can be much more inclusive,” Development and Program Manager Kyleah Galbraith said.
The new cart was originally an eight seater with the two middle seats removed to make space for a wheelchair. It also includes a ramp for those to jaunt on up and proper means to ensure the rider is safely strapped into the golf cart.
BCV received their new ride in Oct., and have already been able to use it due to the uncommon nice weather Ohio has been having lately.
12-year resident of BCV Sandy Hempfield is an Ashland native who has an appreciation for the oldies including ACDC, KISS and Foreigner. She enjoys participating in many activities at the senior living community including bingo, music and golf cart rides. She has been one of a few residents who have already gotten to experience a ride on the new cart.
“I like being out in the sun and cruising around the campus,” Hempfield said.
Hempfield is excited to enjoy more rides with the spring and summer months approaching.
The Spring Caring Campaign has allowed BCV to purchase many items to help improve the overall wellbeing of their community. In the past, CATIE devices that allow residents to check-in, order meals, video call loved ones, etc., have been implemented into independent living apartments and condos and walkways around campus were created to be used during the warmer months.
This upcoming spring, BCV will be raising money for new Tovertafels, an interactive projector device used as a way for residents to engage and work on memory skills. One of these already exists in the Bradford House and has proven to be very beneficial and effective. The goal this year is to put in a few more around campus.
“We just received our first Tovertafel about a month ago and it’s been amazing for those residents who maybe aren’t as capable to go out and play noodle ball, volleyball or other activities but still need interactive engagement,” Galbraith said.
BCV wants to reiterate their thanks to all donors who help make their campus feel like home to residents. Without your help, it would not be possible to create a community that is inclusive, accessible and comfortable for all.
To learn more about Brethren Care Village or to donate in the next Spring Caring Campaign, visit their website or call 419-289-1585.
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