Walton Retirement Home Obtains New Van
The Walton Retirement Home has a new addition to its facility: a new van with wheelchair accessibility.
Staff at the home have been working on the project to bring a new vehicle to the facility for over a year. The new vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica Conversion van, replaces an older Ford car.
The new van allows for more opportunities to increase socialization of residents and provide more frequent outings, executive director Kris Moore said.
The new van will carry up to six passengers and seat a couple of wheelchairs too. Moore noted the van gives wheelchair users the ability to be mobile and have more freedom.
Moore added that this has been a project that was needed and wanted by residents for a long time.
“They were so excited,” she said. “It had been a long search, but once we got it, I didn’t tell the residents at first. I think they felt the excitement in the air.”
The residents toured the new van when it came in, and Moore described it as “one of the best days.”
The Walton Retirement Home’s new Chrysler Pacifica Conversion van is wheelchair accessible, allowing wheelchair users and six passengers to ride at a time. Walton Retirement Home Facebook photo
Moore said they provide the same care for everybody with or without outside family support. Having wheelchair accessibility allows that.
“We need to be able to let them be proud of something that they’re riding in …,” Moore said. “That’s their van.”
Staff members will receive training from a professional to learn all the ins and outs of the van.
The retirement home plans to utilize the van this winter by taking trips to see the lights at “Christmas in the Park” at Barnesville Memorial Park, to shop for Christmas and to take donations collected at the home for the Belmont County Animal Shelter and the school projects, “Walton’s Mittens” and an animal fund drive.
The staff at the retirement home was able to raise money for the van through an annual fundraiser, “Honey, I’m Home,” and other donations from the public.
“It’s not brand new, it’s a couple of years old, but it’s brand new to us,” Moore said. “This has been a work in progress, so we’re so excited.”
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