The Provincial Grand Master has chosen as the charity to be supported for 2008/9, the Jersey Cheshire Home.
The Jersey Cheshire Home provides a unique medical service to the island, catering specifically for the physically disabled. Many of the residents, day care clients, respite users and physiotherapy clients are users of the hydrotherapy centre, including those referred to the home by Health and Secial Services.
The hydrotherapy pool is an essential facility, and requires a higher water temperature than a conventional swimming pool. The funds raised during 2008/9 will be devoted to providing the pool with a solar heating system.
The benefits gained from solar heating will help offset ever increasing operational costs, and reduce carbon emissions.
ABOUT THE JERSEY CHESHIRE HOME
Opened in July 1983 by Princess Alexandra, the Jersey Cheshire Home provides a permanent home for residents of all ages and with a variety of physical disabilities.
The Home is named Eric Young House after its principal benefactor who provided funds to purchase the land as well as enable the Home to be built.
Accommodation is in the form of 21 individual rooms in the main house plus two 'independent living units' attached to the building, all designed to allow the resident optimum independence.
Hydrotherapy Centre Facilities - The centre has its own independent entrance and parking area allowing outside users easy access.
The purpose built hydrotherapy pool offers, a warm environment in which to exercise. The pool has both a ramp and poolside hoist for easy access.
Alongside the pool is a well-equipped gym where the resident physiotherapist can provide a free assessment to establish the best course of treatment for each individual.
The motomed bike is a particular favourite as clients can use this from their own wheelchair or a normal chair. The bike can pedal the legs and arms passively or the user can work actively - the bike also has an anti-spasm mode.
The glider is a machine that allows a user to go from sitting to standing and there are numerous aids to support the user depending upon their ability. Once in a standing position the user can exercise in the machine - by moving the arms backwards and forwards the legs also move passively.
The Dynamic Parapodium is an innovative piece of equipment that can allow a user who is paralysed (dependent on the level) to stand and in some cases to walk. The machine is activated by using arm and trunk muscles.