Independence for Ann Harding residents
NORTHWOLD – Ann Harding Cheshire Home gets a kitted out wheelchair-friendly gymnasium.
The residents of Ann Harding Cheshire Home have a wheelchair-friendly gymnasium donated by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 2 December.
The whole idea of the new gym was established by Australian volunteer Gabrielle Pritchard of International Development.
Pritchard has been working at the home since 2013 and through her assistance in rehabilitation of the residents, she saw a need.
She explained how there is a common misconception that once you become disabled that you are stagnant in your state.
“The gym and the pool at our home are great but require assistance in order for the residents to use it which only happens about once a week – rehabilitation needs to be constant,” said Pritchard.
The new gym equipment allows for independent use.
“The whole idea is that you (the resident) can take your control back and actively promote your rehabilitation. They can use it as often as they want,” added Pritchard.
The exercises performed on the machines develop upper body strength, balance, increases blood flow and helps prevent pressure sores.
The Australian High Commissioner Adam McCarthy officially opened the new gym by saying, “It is great that we are having the opening on the day before the International Day for People with Disability; it makes it so much more amazing that we can promote awareness that disability does not mean the end.”
Through funding from the Direct Aid Programme Trust in Pretoria the residents can not only independently promote their rehab, but now have a skilled work space. The work space will allow residents an area in which they can create different items for income.
Ann Harding Cheshire Home chairperson Lyndall Roman thanked Pritchard for her hard work and effort that went into the new gym area as well as McCarthy and his team for the generous sponsorship.
Guest speaker, former Paralympian Andy Scott said, “Exercise and recovery are like a fever. All you need to do is start and the fever takes over. You will find that a healthy mind starts with a healthy body.”
He encouraged the residents to actively use the equipment regularly.
“It is amazing to see a gym like that actually allows residents to take their power back.”
Details: Ann Harding Cheshire Homes, 011 792 3510.
Related articles:
100s and 1000s for Ann Harding
GALLERY: High tea in aid of the disabled
