WALK-N-WHEEL-A-THON

By Kimberly Grandal ACC/EDU, ACM, CEOLD

Walk-N-Wheel-a-Thon is designed to promote physical fitness and friendly competition, as well as raise funds for the residents. In one facility I worked the, Therapeutic Recreation Department and the Physical Therapy Department hosted this event during National Physical Therapy Week, however it is great for Nursing Home Week, Activity Professionals Week, Therapeutic Recreation Month, or whenever you’re in need of an inter-disciplinary program or a fundraiser. Some preparation is needed to ensure a successful event. The following are some tips:

• Determine what will be done with the money raised and clearly state the intent in all promotional materials. Is it a fundraiser for the Resident Council or Activity Planning Committee? Or perhaps you need money to create a multi-sensory room or for other special equipment? You may also have this event to raise money for a charity or a cause like the Alzheimer’s Society or other worthy cause.
  
  
• Be sure to discuss your ideas with your administrator or supervisor.
  Set up a course indoors or outdoors approximately 125 feet. Put up signs along the way that indicate the amount of feet a resident has walked or wheeled themselves. (5 feet, 10, feet, 25 feet, etc.)
  
  
• Have residents sign up for the event. All residents may be included, even those that need a little assistance in mobility. Residents may ambulate independently; use a walker, cane, wheelchair, electric wheelchair, etc.
  
  
• Invite family, staff, volunteers, and visitors to sponsor a resident and agree to donate a designated amount per foot completed. Individuals may donate whatever amount they choose such as .10 cents a foot, .25 cents a foot, etc. (a maximum amount to donate may be set). The sponsor then pays the amount of money in accordance with how many feet the resident completes. Most people just give a set amount, like $5.
  
  
• Decorate the course with pennants, balloons, signs, etc.
  
  
• Play motivating music such as “Eye of the Tiger”, or “Chariots of Fire”.
  
  
• Invite all staff, residents, and visitors etc. to cheer on the participating residents.
  
  
• Have water stations available and monitor residents for shortness of breath.
  
  
• Recreation staff, therapy staff, volunteers, CNAs, etc. may assist residents through the course.
  
  
• Have an awards ceremony following the event and distribute trophies to the top three residents who completed the most feet or distance.
  
  
• Distribute certificates to all participants at the award ceremony as well.
  
  
• Invite the press and/or take pictures and send a press release to your local newspapers.

In summary, an event such as the Walk-n-Wheel-a-Thon motivates the staff, residents, and family members. It really is a lot of fun and serves a great purpose. The more facility involvement the better, so make a point to promote the event in your newsletters, flyers, family notices, bulletin boards, staff pay checks, and so on. Let the games begin!

Feel free to download and print out this roster for your event.