Since its unveiling in August, the new wheelchair-accessible swing glider at GlenFields Living with Care has quickly become a favorite spot for residents.
Located in our courtyard, the swing has a bench seat and a ramp to make it easily accessible for residents using wheelchairs. With gentle body movement or use of a handle to start swinging, residents can glide back and forth with the help of staff, family members, or friends. A canopy overhead provides shade, making it a welcoming place to enjoy the outdoors.
The swing offers more than a fun activity. It’s a way for residents to feel a breeze on their face, enjoy the outdoors, and revel in a freeing moment. Being together around the swing also creates opportunities for connection and laughter.
This project was made possible by the generosity of the Glencoe Regional Health Foundation and its donors. Their support has turned an idea into a space that brings joy and enrichment to the daily lives of residents, who came up with the idea to add the wheelchair-accessible swing to our existing courtyard.
“Here’s what we’ve noticed already. The project has brought: smiles and fun, relaxation and deep breaths, giggles with grandkids and great grandkids, meaningful conversations with loved ones, and feelings of being a kid again. That’s what the money can do and has done,” said Glencoe Regional Health Foundation Director Liz Cheney, CFRE. “It’s not about the money. It’s about
what the money can do. Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen.”
Residents have already shared how much they enjoy the swing. Our resident, Roger, looks forward to time spent on the swing with his wife, family, and our volunteers.
“It’s fun going on the swing,” said Roger. “I like spending time outside.”
Our team in GlenFields love seeing the excitement and smiles it inspires.
“The swing has created a space for residents to experience joy, fresh air, and meaningful moments with family and friends – small moments that make a big difference,” said Chief Senior Services Officer Julie Schmidt.
This space will continue to bring laughter, connection, and joyful moments for many seasons to come. The swing is a reminder that joy can be found in simple pleasures and that inclusive spaces can bring people together.
Interested in getting into the swing of things?
We’re looking for volunteers to enjoy the swing with our residents this spring. If you’re interested in volunteering, click here to sign up.
Thank you to our generous donors who supported this project:
- Annette and Brian Ahlfs
- Donovan and Lona Buckentin – In Memory Of Orville and Myra Hoernemann
- Mary Ellen Bullert
- Crow River Signs – In Honor Of GRH Staff
- Glencoe Lions Club
- Great River Energy
- Steve and Lori Harms – In Memory Of Della Stender
- Hasslen Construction Company
- Karen and Richard Jannusch
- Cindy and Dale Klaustermeier
- McBride Funeral Chapels – In Memory Of Ralph Hoernemann
- McLeod Cooperative Power – Operation Round Up Program
- Cheryl and Jon Templin – In Memory Of LeRoy Brelje
