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Winning Wheels Cook BookSpring 2010
Winng Wheels has prepared a taste-tempting cookbook featuring favorite recipes from staff, families and friends. Our cookbook is beautifully illustrated, bound and is sure to be treasured for years. Each cookbook contains:
Proceeds from out cookbook sales will help fund future resident requested projects. The cost for each cookbook is $15.00 plus $2.25 for shipping. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email me:
Gayla Bohms
Winning Wheels Celebrates 30 YearsFall 2009Family Fun Fair
On September 30th, Winning Wheels celebrated 30 years of serving individuals with mobility or neurological impairments. The facility, originally opened in 1979, was the fulfillment of a nine-year effort to fund and construct a specialized care center for wheelchair users and was first conceived by Mike Maki, a quadriplegic who hoped to open a facility for young adults. Before Winning Wheels, most wheelchair users went to geriatric nursing homes. Mike, then a resident of Riverside Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Prophetstown, organized a grassroots effort to raise the money to make his dream come true. In the 30 years since we opened, we have served the needs of over 600 residents. Winning Wheels also serves the community by holding the annual “Safe Wheels Bicycle Rodeo,” through which it has contributed more than 1100 bicycle helmets to students of Prophetstown Grade School as part of our brain injury prevention program, is a regular donor to the local Food Pantry, and is one of the largest employers in the area. We have also grown into a provider of more extensive services. Now, along with the original facility, we offer care for developmentally disabled individuals at S.T.R.I.V.E., developmental and vocational training programs and a child daycare center at Lyndon Progress Center, and more independent living at Frontier Hollow. Over 100 visitors joined us in celebrating our anniversary at our open house and Family Fun Fair, where residents, staff and friends enjoyed food, games and prizes.
Winning Wheels Residents Transported by MusicFall 2009We've Got Talent!
Winning Wheels believes it is important that our residents are invited to express themselves in many different ways. Michelle Mortensen, our Director of Music Therapy, leads solo and groups of residents in making music and singing along with their own music. Participants are encouraged to play the instrument of the day, which may be a drum, washboard, tambourine, or xylophone. The really fun part is when everybody has a different instrument playing at once! Music Therapy facilitates self expression, sensory stimulation, experience in gross and fine motor skills and decision making. Music is known to stimulate, relax, and bring residents back to another time. Many residents find Music Therapy so enjoyable, they don't even know they're working!
Winning Wheels Creation Station WoodshopSpring 2009Let's Get Creative!
Winning Wheels residents get creative in the Creation Station woodshop and are rewarded for their efforts at a monthly pizza party. RJ Tolley, who has hosted the parties for 3 1/2 years now, says they are funded with money made from the sale of the items made in the woodshop. Residents have made such items as benches, stools, plant stands and Adirondack chairs. Not only do the residents make these items in the Creation Station, but also socialize there by playing checkers and putting puzzles together. Staff with offices near the woodshop will tell you there is always music playing and singing is often heard coming from the room. The purpose of the woodshop is to teach learning and memory strategies and interpersonal and organization skills, but it's also a really fun place to hang out.
Winning Wheels Residents Attend Adaptive Water Skiing ClinicJuly 2007Hosted By The Back Water Gamblers
Eventually we will run out of "first's" at Winning Wheels! It was a very hot day (over 100 degrees) in July when Yvonne Ouillette and Jeff Conant, accompanied by Karla Belzer, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and Special Projects, drove to the Back Water Gamblers ski site on the Rock River near Rock Island, Il. Each year, the "Gamblers" in coordination with Genesis Medical Center host an adaptive water skiing clinic and this year, Wheels went! Upon arriving, they enjoyed a riverside picnic lunch and then were greeted by friendly volunteers. They were there to learn to water ski - adaptive style. "They took the time to see what we needed," Jeff and Yvonne agreed, "and they seemed to have everything covered." First the skiers were evaluated to see what their specific needs were. For instance, Yvonne had outriggers on her ski and her seat included a back, whereas Jeff's ski consisted of one wide ski and he sat in a cage to be towed. They were taught hand signals they could use to communicate with the ski boat such as slower, faster, stop, back to dock, and turn around. Then it was out to the water. Jeff said there were spotters beside and starters behind him. He found himself having some trouble staying upright, so he asked to go a bit slower, and the problem was solved. Both Jeff and Yvonne said they felt completely safe at all times because while they were in the water, there were so many people close by. The water was very warm too and that made it more pleasant. Karla was impressed with the size of the clinic as well as the support from all participating. "Each time a skier got up, volunteers, spectators, and other skiers cheered and clapped while the skier went by the staging area. We encountered many wonderful people who we now consider our friends." "It was freedom, really. Normality." Said Yvonne, and Jeff said, "The people were awesome. People on my left. People on my right, and behind me on jet skis." Would they like to go again? "Absolutely!!"
Winning Wheels Outrigger Canoe AdventureJune 15, 2007S.T.R.I.V.E. Residents Enjoy Day At Rockwood
Sixteen wide-eyed and willing S.T.R.I.V.E. residents arrived at Lake Carlton on the cloudless, but warm June 15 ready for a day of outrigger canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. Many questions bubbled out while surveying the boat and the water: "I've never been on a boat before." "How do we get in and out?" "Where do I sit?" "What about my wheelchair?" "How deep is the lake?" With anticipation and excitement building, the canoeing staff, provided by Winning Wheels, prepares the group for a relaxing and invigorating day. A division of Winning Wheels, S.T.R.I.V.E, located in Prophetstown, is a 16-bed intermediate care facility for individuals who are diagnosed as developmentally disabled due to severe physical disabilities incurred early in life. Focused on socialization, training, rehabilitation, independence, vocation and education, S.T.R.I.V.E. provides rehabilitative treatment and training in self-care skills in a comfortable, homelike environment. Thanks to many generous donors, Winning Wheels was able to purchase the outrigger canoe in 2002, with the maiden voyage in the spring of 2003. Named "Aumakua", Hawaiian for "ancestral spirits guiding one on a journey," the outrigger is docked at the lake from May to October. The double hulled canoe seats eight paddlers and, due to it's design, is very sturdy and stable, providing individuals with disabilities access to canoeing without the fear of capsizing. Canoe staff have used the canoe to participate in the Prophetstown Canoe Races as well as the Chicago Flatwater Classic. Additionally, each year the outrigger makes it's way to Lake Bloomington in Bloomington, Illinois to provide a day of canoeing for adults and children at the Brain Injury Association of Illinois summer camps, as well as other local healthcare providers. Outrigger canoe staff, J.J. Pritchard, Tim Lundquist, and Sarah Manning, explained to the group the transferring process, rules of the canoe, and the basics of paddling. After the safety orientation and all questions were answered, it was time to hit the lake. The canoe staff with help from S.T.R.I.V.E staff assisted residents in and out of the canoe and the first group of four was off to enjoy the sights and sounds of Rockwood State Park. "If you think about it, when you live in a group home or nursing facility, noise is all around. Others talking, televisions, intercom systems, call lights. There is always noise. But, here on the lake, the only noises heard are the noises of nature. Birds, frogs, the wind in the trees, the paddles hitting the water, even the cicadas . . . it's quite a different sensory experience that is often much welcomed by those we take out on the canoe." responds Karla Belzer, Special Projects Coordinator for Winning Wheels. "Access to recreation is not always easy for individuals who experience a disability. Days like today not only provide a great recreational opportunity, but also a chance for freedom and independence. Wheelchairs are traded in for life vests and paddles and it's not about what you can't do, but what you can do." Laughter is heard carrying across the lake as the paddlers experience the "jumping fish" and engage in splashing each other. Upon arriving back, each group was drenched, but the smiles on each face spoke many words. "That was the best thing ever," "Amazing," "I had so much fun," were just a few of the quips heard from the elated participants. The fun continued with the group enjoying fishing from the accessible fishing pavilion and relishing in a picnic lunch. Belzer went on, "The staff here at Rockwood are just great to us. We have a group out here each Thursday for canoeing. They are very friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. And, the food is great! We wouldn't have this program if it weren't for Chuck and his staff…we are very appreciative of all they do for us." Each week, a group from Winning Wheels enjoys canoeing and lunch at the on-site restaurant. Park staff allow Wheels to dock the canoe during season and encourage rental of the canoe. "Many people don't know that the outrigger canoe can be rented from Rockwood. Families, scout troops, youth groups, businesses can enjoy a ride on the lake. Because it can seat eight people, it provides for a safe experience where teamwork is required," Belzer finished. Paddles and life vests are also available. As the day draws to a close, the group reflects on the memories made, the freedom experienced, the confidence gained, and the "jumping" fish of Lake Carlton.
Winning Wheels Receives Step II Quality AwardOctober 31,2005Award Recognizes Commitment to Continuous Quality Improvement Winning Wheels was recently recognized as a Step II Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Winning Wheels was only one of ten facilities in the nation to achieve this level of recognition within the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award program and was recognized for demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to a systematic process to achieve continuous quality improvement. The AHCA/NCAL Quality Award program is modeled after the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, the nation's premier award for quality achievement. Recipients of AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards have made customer satisfaction and quality outcomes a top priority. Winning Wheels previously received a Step I award in 2003 for demonstrating an organization-wide commitment to a resident-focused vision and mission, and for employing processes to measure customer satisfaction and meet customer expectations. As a Step II recipient, Winning Wheels has shown commitment to systematic quality improvement in all of its key operational processes including leadership, strategic planning, data collection and analysis, human resource development, and utilizing information and technology. To achieve Step II, facilities must also show that they operate with a customer-focused quality management system that elies on information and analysis, encourage staff involvement in process improvement, and demonstrate a firm commitment to continuous learning. The Step II Award was presented at the AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention and Exposition on October 16-19, 2005 in Las Vegas.
Posse Competes in World Invitational Power SoccerJune 16, 2004Indy Event Draws Teams from Japan & France
The Winning Wheels Power Soccer team, aka "The Prophetstown Posse" competed in the 2004 World Invitational Tournament held June 4-6 in Indianapolis. The tournament fielded two dozen teams from all parts of the United States, and as far away as Japan and France. The Posse faced the Heat of Mesa, Arizona in their tournament opener. Great defense was the theme in this battle of two very evenly matched teams. In the end, the Posse withstood the Heat and warmed things up enough on offensive to play to a 2-2 tie. In their second game on Friday, the Posse were matched against the Power Cirge of Charlotte, NC. An early power surge by the Power Cirge was too much to overcome as the Posse fell 7-1. Saturday morning, the Posse took on the San Jose (CA) Steamrollers in what turned out to be another fierce defensive battle. Both teams showed great anticipation and teamwork, but The Posse managed to take advantage of the few scoring opportunites either team had to win 2-0. Fresh off their morning victory, the The Posse seemed to experience a letdown on Saturday afternoon and were thrashed by the Sudden Impact of Indianapolis. The Posse did manage a score, but were unable to stop the offensive attack of the tournament hosts. Despite the setback, the Posse qualified for the quarterfinals where they went up against Sudden Impact 2, of Indianapolis. In this matchup, the hosts overwhelmed a worn-out Posse team which was playing its third game of the day. The effort was there but certainly the road had taken its toll on the Posse. The Posse attended the tournament finals on Sunday and attended a Dinner and Awards Banquet Sunday evening before returning to Prophetstown Monday afternoon. Upon their return the Posse and their support staff were warmly greeted and congratulated for their efforts by residents and staff. Team members were asked what they will remember about their participation in the 2004 World Invitational. Everyone agreed that their participation has provided motivation to pursue possibilities rather than accept limitations. Team members also said they had a chance to make a lot of new friends. For the 134 athletes who participated in the World Invitational it was an event that broke down barriers, opened doors, and promoted the possible, meaning that regardless of the score, everyone left Indianapolis a winner.
Winning Wheels Adds Virtual Imaging TherapyDecember 15, 2003On the Cutting-Edge of Rehabilitation Technology
Winning Wheels, Inc. is proud to be among the first health care facilities in the nation, as well as the first specialized long-term care facility, to incorporate the IREX virtual imaging system into our rehabilitation programming. Virtual imaging applications enhance the therapy experience by immersing residents in a virtual reality world. While in the virtual environment, the resident is motivated by seeing herself/himself engaging in various sports and games. This dramatically improves a resident’s focus and compliance to the activity in therapy. IREX’s virtual imaging environments promote isolated joint movement, combined joint movements and full body functional movement of both upper and lower extremities. The kinematic data is measured, recorded and reported to therapists, providing documentation and vital information used to assess resident progress and assist in the development of residents’ care plans. Our varied resident population includes individuals with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and multiple sclerosis. Therapy staff have capitalized on the system’s flexibility and customize content to provide challenging, motivational and therapeutic activities for residents of every ability level, including residents with high-level spinal cord injuries. A significant result of implementing the IREX system, is that residents who have historically demonstrated low motivation for traditional therapeutic activities have increased their participation and achieved significant therapeutic gains. The IREX system is used both as a primary therapeutic intervention, and to supplement other therapy approaches. The IREX system is a cutting-edge tool which has quickly become an important part of our comprehensive, state-of-the-art therapy program.
Winning Wheels Wins AHCA Quality AwardOctober 16, 2003Recognized for Commitment to Excellence Winning Wheels is one of 65 long-term facilities in 22 states that have won the American Health Care Association's (AHCA) National Quality Award for demonstrating its strong commitment to quality improvement. "There are many benefits to pursuing the level of excellence this award demands," stated AHCA President and CEO Charles H. Roadman II, M.D., CNA. "In addition to improved quality of life for nursing facility residents, the award demonstrates that systematic, data-driven quality initiatives create better places of employment, more effective management, and more active roles in the surrounding communities. Winners of this prestigious award know that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey, and that the journey is as important as the destination." AHCA's Quality Award is mnodeled after the criteria of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, the nation's premier award recognizing distinguished achievements. AHCA's award exemplifies the very best in long-term care facilities that demonstrate excellence in their efforts to better serve their customers, their staff, and their communities. Administrator Libby Goodman received the award on behalf of Winning Wheels at the AHCA's Annual Convention and Exposition held in San Diego on October 12-15, 2003.
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