The health benefits of spending time outdoors for our older adults living in congregated facilities have been widely reported. Going outdoors has been associated with improved mood, increased wellbeing and quality of life, better sleep, decreased agitation and disruptive behaviors, and reduced use of medications. Interaction with green spaces and nature encourages sensory stimulation, which can have restorative effects on the mental wellbeing of older people. Green spaces also may provide benefits for mental health, cognition, mood, mobility, and physical function.
Our Solution
Trishaw experiences facilitate social interactions by providing a meeting place and the opportunity for communicating, thus cultivating engagement and providing an enhanced sense of belonging. We are breaking the barriers affecting residents -- getting them outside, interacting, and using outdoor space - keys to overall wellbeing.
In 2021, more than 2000 no-cost trishaw experiences were provided in Colorado. We are working toward having more than 10,000 trishaw rides provided in 2027! That's a lot of miles of smiles, miles of memories and special moments that are precious and never forgotten.
We currently provide trishaw experiences at independent, assisted living, and memory care facilities in Boulder; Lafayette; Loveland; and Cheyenne, WY, and are adding other locations, soon.
Think of the positive change together we can make at your center!
Donations, grants and business partners support our trishaw program.
We are an energized program, 100% volunteer run. We never charge the facilities or our passengers.
No tips accepted, ever.
You make a difference!
WORKING CLOSELY WITH NURSING HOMES AND OTHER FACILITES FOR OLDER ADULTS WE OFFER THE RESIDENTS RIDES ON SPECIALLY-BUILT TRISHAWS TO FEEL LIFE OUTSIDE THE CONFINES OF THEIR FACILITY
Miles of Smiles Colorado Inc. ("MoS") was founded in 2019 and was focused on organizing and implementing no-cost trishaw rides for residents nursing homes and other senior residences.
While continuing to offer rides in the Boulder community, we recently expanded to Lafayette, CO, and Cheyenne, WY, and have broadened our activities to include actively encouraging nursing homes and other older adult communities throughout the region to say 'YES' so they too can offer no cost trishaw experiences to their residents.
We have recently received approval for a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for funds under the CMP program to significantly underwrite the acquisition cost of trishaws and related accessories and tools at four nursing homes.
With these funds, nursing homes in Colorado can overcome the initial high cost of these specially-built vehicles and offer rides in nature to their residents. MoS will work closely with each nursing home to implement and execute a safe, secure, reliable trishaw ride program.
MoS continues to file grant applications with other organizations as well to fund the acquisition cost of trishaws and related accessories and tools at other older adult communities that may not qualify for CMP funding.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE.
We are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and others with limited mobility in our community. Your contribution today helps us Make a Difference.
MIles of Smiles Colorado, Inc.
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