Elders at the Canyonlands Care Center rely on donations to maintain activity program
It’s no secret that Moab residents like to get outside. The area is know for its landscapes and outdoor recreation, which drew many of our town’s residents here in the first place. But what if you couldn’t get outside to see the red rock any more?
For the residents of the Canyonlands Care Center in Moab, the ‘Magic Bus’ has allowed these community elders, many over 90 years old, to get outdoors and explore the place they have lived and loved.
“We’re all getting older,” said Beth Logan, chairman of the Moab Healthcare Foundation, “and I think this is the proverbial way to ‘pay it forward’ – to take care of our elders they way we hope to be taken care of in the future.”
The van is wheelchair-compatible and fits 12 residents and 2 aides for short, enjoyable trips that keep the seniors connected to the community, like visits to Wilson Arch or the winter Electric Light Parade. The van was purchased with support from the Canyonlands Health Care Special Service District.
“One resident said, ‘I get to go out and see places I used to venture around when I was younger,’ and I think that’s just exactly why this is so wonderful to have in our community, which is full of active people,” Logan said, giving full credit to the Canyonlands Care Center staff including CEO Collette Lyman.
However, the vehicle needs maintenance and the cost of gas is always a challenge. Recreational activities aren’t reimbursed by Medicare, so the community is raising funds to support the program.
The Moab Healthcare Foundation is a nonprofit created to support regional healthcare initiatives. In addition to the Senior Magic Bus, the Moab Healthcare Foundation plans to fundraise for other essential needs in the community, including a new ambulance for emergency medical services and a garden and art project for Canyonlands Care Center.
The foundation is proud to support the care center, Logan said, especially as it “is really rare for a community our size to have a long term care facility that allows seniors to remain close to home.”
Local businesses are also encouraged to reach out if they’d like to offer services or host the residents of the center on a visit.
For those interested in donating toward the Magic Bus or other initiatives, donations can be made to the Moab Healthcare Foundation at MHFMoab.org. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.
