On the heights of Rouen, near the Notre-Dame de Bonsecours Basilica, the Hautes Bruyères residence for the elderly (Univi group) is renowned for the quality of its welcome and its medical services, but not only that.
The host-coordinator Tony Zeghny “wants to surprise” his residents.
After singing under the bells of Rouen Cathedral, strolling around the town with a wheelchair bike or being invaded by a horde of Vikings, the most adventurous can now think of themselves as Philippe Candeloro or Nathalie Péchalat.
“Thierry Canino, our director, sent me a photograph of people in wheelchairs on ice in the south of France.
From there, I immediately said, let's go!
» says Tony Zeghny.
“The idea is always to be where we are not expected.
From residents to the ice rink, this may make you jump and ask questions, but it's our way of creating social connections.
»
“I haven’t been back on the ice for almost 70 years”
Hats on their heads, gloves on their hands and blankets on their knees, a first group went on January 31 to the Oasis de Cléon ice rink (near Elbeuf), about fifteen kilometers from the privatized nursing home. two hours for the occasion.
“They go on the ice with their chair, without additional accessories.
It's good for the body and morale.
The benefits of cold have been recognized for a long time,” explains the director of the site, Alan Lenormand, who welcomes schools, businesses and medical-educational institutes.
After a few minutes of apprehension, bursts of laughter burst out from under the dome.
Tony Zeghny does not regret the choice of this activity.
“It’s a test with our three elders, but we will quickly sign an agreement with the rink to come every week.
We can install goals, cones, provide balls and other games to work on psychomotor skills.
There are already a lot of volunteers that we will take along as we go, because we are limited by our vehicle and the number of accompanying people.
Then, why not invite other establishments to join us?
!
» projects the host.
And happiness is there, because Yannick, Thérèse and Jeanine let their feet slide quietly: “I'm 96 years old and I haven't been back on the ice for almost seventy years.
All the memories come flooding back.
I find sensations of cold, of sliding, of braking.
In addition, we are completely safe.
It’s wonderful,” confides Jeanine, full of childish joy.