Often a joint creative vision gifts us with something that is greater than the sum of its parts. EPHC’s Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in Portola and Loyalton recently received two standing frames for patients at the cost of $3,300 each—both gifts, and both the result of a combination of hard work and caring on the part of hospital employees, community members, and a grant from the Rotary Foundation.*
Jeanne Harper, an occupational and hand therapist who works with EPHC’s SNF patients came up with the idea of raising money to purchase a standing frame for her wheelchair bound patients. Standing frames allow these patients the opportunity to stand–and standing has benefits that most of us take for granted.
Patients who can’t stand are at greater risk of: bone density loss; urinary tract infections; decreased range of motion, respiratory function, and circulation; and, much more. When these patients use a standing frame, they can stop or even reverse these negative effects. In addition, the psychological benefits of standing shouldn’t be underestimated. They include greater alertness, increased cognition, enhanced social interaction, decreased fatigue, and less depression.
There are a couple of privately owned standing frames at the facilities, but because they are quite expensive, the general population hasn’t had access to this beneficial piece of equipment until now. Once Harper put the idea out there, however, several people stepped up to help. Ginny Kylberg donated several of her original art prints for an auction that Harper organized. Becky Erickson, a patient at the Portola SNF, hand knitted a beautiful afghan for the auction. And, Brad Preston donated some of his unique handmade glasses.
Jim Burson, a physical therapist at EPHC’s skilled nursing facilities and former President of the Portola Rotary, approached the Club to see if they’d be willing to fund a second standing frame. Rotary President, Gloria LaPlant, and the Portola Club were very enthusiastic about the idea. Portola Rotarians are a familiar sight around the Portola SNF, having spent many hours this summer sanding and re-staining the facility’s deck and ramp.
Portola Rotary kicked into high gear on the project, applying for a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation through Rotary District 5190 to help purchase Portola’s standing frame. The Portola Rotary Club was able to donate its half of the matching grant funds through community fundraising efforts, including their annual Fly-In Breakfast and Lake Davis Fishing Derby, as well as their margarita booth at the County Fair.
Further, it was agreed that the funds raised by Harper and her hard working group of donors would go to purchase the Loyalton frame. This meant that all of EPHC’s skilled nursing patients would have access to the benefits of a standing frame–all this from Harper’s original concept and a community of people both within EPHC and outside who were willing to help make this idea a reality.
*The Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty on a local, national, and international level.