Volunteers help Seniors stay physically fit

If you are a Gentleman Resident at Coeur d'Alene Homes, then you know there's no sitting around allowed. With the help of volunteers from local fitness and health businesses, Senior Residents are making their way to Sandpoint (well, sort of) in a very unique way.

Each week, "Caleb's Crew" is walking laps for exercise and keeping track of the distance their feet have taken them. Eventually, they hope to walk 900 laps around the building to reach the distance of 47 miles, the same distance it takes to get to Sandpoint.

Who is Caleb? Caleb Hielbert from 360 Fitness is one of four volunteers that meet weekly with residents for food, fun and fitness at Coeur d'Alene Homes Assisted Living and Memory Care facility. For the past three years, Hielbert has met with a group of Gentleman Residents on Thursdays to get them moving with exercise. "There are some people that can't make it to the gym, but we can bring the exercise to them," says Hielbert. I have such an appreciation for the continued effort it requires for these men to stay active. It is never too late."

Scott Randklev, a Doctor of Physical Therapy at River City Physical Therapy is his Partner in Action. "We teach these exercises to improve flexibility, strength and endurance, which will help maintain their level of independence." Randklev sees the group every Tuesday for 30 minutes and believes his time is a great opportunity to give back and provide a needed service to the group.

Warren Bakes makes rounds with the men on Mondays. He jokes, "I was very reluctant to volunteer at first because I thought I might be mistaken and kept as a resident. I fit right in." At 73, and still actively working in his career as an educator with the University of Idaho, he finds himself walking away the miles to Sandpoint each week with the "guys." Bakes claims, "They are easy to get attached to. I get way more from them than they get from me with all their funny stories and interesting backgrounds."

Rounding out the team is Jack Dawson, kind of the volunteer originator of the walking group. A fellow Rotarian to Coeur d'Alene Homes Executive Director, Mike Grabenstein, Dawson wanted to know what needs there were at the facility. It seemed that the women were more socially independent, but the men were spending too much time watching TV. Dawson initiated the exercise program: 30 minutes, three times a week.

With the help of Hielbert and the other volunteers, they have increased the social and physical interaction with Wii Bowling, weights and bands exercise, and the walking club.

Dawson shared, "One of the residents is blind. We walk together and I gently steer him around the course. Being blind is a challenge but he never lets up in his goal to reach 'Sandpoint.' I have a great respect for someone who can overcome the odds and reach their dreams."

There is a true camaraderie that has developed among these gentlemen. They all feel blessed to share each other's company. But even more importantly, the staff at Coeur d'Alene Homes truly cares for the residents needs inside and out. Bakes comments, "I have experienced many assisted living situations with my parents, and I am incredibly impressed with every staff member. It makes our job as volunteers the easy part ... simply fun."

Volunteer Opportunity

Ombudsman Needed: Ombudsman are advocates for the residents of assisted living facilities, concerned with resident rights, quality of care and quality of life. Ombudsman visit residents, observe the environment, and help residents solve problems. Ombudsmen are the voices for those who can't or don't speak for themselves.

Having choice is important, particularly when residents have had to give up so much independence. Even a small change can make a huge difference in the quality of life at a facility.

The Area Agency on Aging is dedicated to protection, independence and dignity of individuals through advocacy and service. Our mission is to work in partnership with older adults, families, and the community to secure information and services that maximize independence and quality of life.

Volunteers receive 40 hours of initial training of class time and facility visits. The training is one day a week, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 4 through Oct. 16. Volunteers need a car and a flexible schedule to visit facilities at various times on different days. Call Jan Noyes, Volunteer Coordinator, (208) 667-3179 Ext. 243.

Get Connected!

The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center

GET CONNECTED!

- "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community

- Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities

- TAKE ACTION

(208) 667-8112

Visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website: www.kootenaiunitedway.org

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER