Transportation and activity opportunities for residents and tenants enhanced
The Auxiliary of Orange City Area Health System contributed $55,000 for the purchase of an Activity Bus for residents and tenants at the health system’s Senior Care Campus.
According to Char Ten Clay, Director of Senior Care, part of the mission for both Prairie Ridge Care Center and Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community – located on the north edge of Orange City — is to provide opportunities for seniors to be “out and about,” even if they are no longer driving.
“We take folks fishing, on rides around town to see new construction in the community, to the coffee shop, concerts in the park, Tulip Festival, and other outings,” explained Ten Clay. In warmer weather, the smaller senior care “trolley,” which accommodates four wheelchairs and three people on the bench seat, is used for such activities. The new bus accommodates four wheelchairs and up to 13 individuals in regular seats, and can be used year-round.
“The Activity Bus enables us to broaden our travels,” reports Ten Clay. “We look forward to being able to drive through the countryside, see fields and farms, and even visit area communities.”
The bus — sourced from Creative Bus Sales and outfitted with the required seating flexibility to meet the needs of the tenants and residents in senior care – was made possible through the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts. The Orange City Area Health System Auxiliary and volunteers manage the hospital gift shop and host fund-raisers throughout the year to directly benefit patients, residents, and families.