
How do you get moving? The residents of Las Trampas’ two houses love walks. The homes locations in safe residential neighborhoods and their easy access to local trails like the Iron Horse Trail and the Canal Trail mean that residents are able to indulge in beautiful walks several times a week.
This month, all the houses are planning to participate in the Walk n Roll!
Helping program participants stay active is critical to helping them stay healthy. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) adults with disabilities have obesity rates about 57% higher than the rest of the population. For people who experience physical impacts of developmental disabilities like heart and circulatory issues, lack of physical activity can make existing issues more dangerous.
The staff at the houses try to make exercise fun since getting people to participate can be difficult at times. We play active games, try different sports, swim, and dance to help the people we serve stay active. We are also creating healthy and tasty meals with residents with the help of a registered dietician and the My25 dietary program. With meal planning focused on fresh seasonal foods, balanced nutrition, and new recipes, Las Trampas residents enjoy nutritious and delicious options every day!
“Shopping!” is one of Terri’s favorite words and one of her favorite pastimes. Since coming to Sheila House last February, she gets to do a lot more of it!
For 25 years, Terri lived at Sonoma Developmental Center. She had tried community-based residential programs in the past, but the impacts of Terri’s disabilities meant that she really needed around the clock care that existing programs weren’t able to provide. Though she was content at SDC, the staff weren’t able to give her the personalized attention she needs to thrive, and her medication made it difficult for her to express herself. With Sonoma slated to close in 2018, Terri’s needed another option and she found it with Las Trampas. The high staff to resident ratios, specialized programming, and extra staff training at Sheila House all contribute an environment where Terri can really shine. She is an outgoing and engaged member of her community and she’s enjoying living in the house with three other women.
Recently, Terri was selected by the Share the Spirit program to be featured in a story in the East Bay Times. Congratulations, Terri and welcome to Las Trampas!