It was surprising to me at first how many people don’t know exactly where “Our Island Home” is located. It is Nantucket’s only skilled nursing facility and also the only skilled nursing home within 38.6 miles (most of which are water). It is home to, at most, 45 individuals, all needing the highest level of care. The nursing “home” is sited on Monomoy Creeks, in a single level 30 year old building tucked behind The Landmark House (formerly OIH) – a cheery two story building with a large circular drive that now functions as independent living for seniors.
Several of us at Atlantic East Nantucket Real Estate have been learning through experience about senior care and what options are available for our loved ones here on Nantucket. One great new initiative at Our Island Home is a program called Nantucket Wheelers. Over $35,000 (representing the over 35 miles of bicycle paths on Nantucket) was recently raised to purchase three (3) bicycles. The “Duet” bikes are especially engineered and built in Germany to be safe and comfortable for wheelchair bound seniors. The lightweight detachable wheelchair attaches to a seven geared single back wheel, with a coaster brake along with a hand brake on the handlebar attached to the back of the chair. There is abundant literature confirming the value of this program for residents living in long-term facilities, especially those with dementia.
The bikes were delivered just after Labor Day and after a mandatory 10 hour training, the initial 12 trained volunteer wheelers were on the road! With bike storage, transportation to the bike paths, insurance, release forms, medical permissions and assorted other necessities now complete, we now have a 6-day/week schedule for three riders each day and it is always full – with a standby list! Look for us between 9 – 11 am or 2 – 4 pm on a bikepath near you! Check out the website at www.NantucketWheelers.org.
-Alison K. Forsgren