Pedal Pals

Goal of the Position

The Glebe Centre is focused on ensuring that there are a range of opportunities for all residents with a focus on well being and independence. Through the use of the VanRam VeloPlus wheelchair adaptable Trishaw Bike (Bike) residents will have the opportunity to safely explore the community and adventure outside of our home. The volunteer will cycle the Bike along a designated path as the resident enjoys a 30-45 minute scenic ride. Supporting 2-3 residents to participate in the program during each shift.

Position Responsibilities

Start of Shift

• Arrive at The Glebe Centre no more than 15 minutes prior to scheduled shift.
• Sign into the building.
• Check in with the assigned Program Facilitator to confirm resident assignments and gather any relevant information for the shift.
  • Until volunteer is approved by the Coordinator of Volunteer Services or Recreation Supervisor to be independent and comfortable with procedures, they must be directly supported by the Program Facilitator for loading and unloading resident wheelchairs.
  • Once independent, if the Program Facilitator is absent must check in with home area nurses to ensure that residents are medically able to participate.
• Review documentation prior to the sessions for assigned residents including resident profiles and previous session evaluations.
• Complete rides following Step-By-Step Procedure.

For Each individual Session

            Gathering Resident

• Select one resident from assignment list and approach to ask if they would like to join for a bike ride.
  • If they agree, continue steps.
  • If they refuse, ensure to document in Activity Pro at end of shift and move on to next resident on assignment list.
• Place Bike program magnet on door frame to notify where resident is to staff and the resident’s potential visitors.
• Communicate with care staff that the resident will be out of the building for a ride.
• Escort resident to the front of the building.
• Properly load wheelchair and secure resident following all steps outlined in the Step-By-Step Procedure.
• Ensure that safety equipment for resident including helmets and all seat belts are engaged and worn properly at all times.
• Complete final safety checklist.

During Ride

• Cycle Bike along selected designated route.
• Monitor resident enjoyment during ride, if resident becomes upset or no longer wants to continue the ride, return to the home.
• Always stay on designated route and not deviate from route unless path is blocked.
  • In situations where route deviation is unavoidable, volunteer must stop and call to notify supervisor/nurse of planned route deviation.
• Ensure that all road laws are always followed during the ride.
• Regardless of right of way, pause and assess safety prior to crossing at all intersections for bike, pedestrian or vehicular traffic that the designated path crosses with.

End of Ride

• Properly secure all parking brakes prior to dismounting the Bike.
• Follow Step-By-Step Procedure for unloading steps to appropriately unload wheelchair from Bike.
• Ask resident to indicate their level of enjoyment utilizing the Wong Baker visual satisfaction survey.
• Power down and engage parking brakes.
• Support resident to return to their home area and inform the care team that the resident has returned to home area.

Additional Resident Rides

• Repeat steps with all assigned residents that would like to participate within scheduled shift.
• Ensure to follow all Infection Control Steps for helmets between residents. Ideally utilizing a different helmet for each resident.

At all times during shift

• Immediately notify Program Facilitator, Coordinator of Volunteer Services or Supervisor of Recreation of any faults with the bike, injuries or near misses.
• Follow all health and safety requirements as outlined in procedural instructions.
• Ensure that safety equipment for volunteer including helmet and reflective straps are worn properly.
• Carry cellphone while out of building to utilize in the event of an emergency.
• Always be aware of the location on paths such as cross streets and relative distance from The Glebe Centre.
• In the event of a life-threatening injury to residents due to a collision or accident, volunteer must notify the home immediately and then call 9-1-1 as direct by nurse.
• In the event of injury to volunteer, must notify the home immediately to request assistance, sharing current location along designated route. If required call 9-1-1 and inform them that volunteer is with a vulnerable long-term care resident and they will need to be supported until home staff arrive.

End of Shift

• Follow Step-By-Step Procedure for end of shift as outlined.
• Complete Activity Pro Documentation.