Sheltering Arms Group Enjoys Cruise to the Bahamas

The Sheltering Arms Accessible Travel Group returned to Richmond earlier this week after five days in paradise. This wasn’t your average group of vacationers, however. For many of these individuals, it was the first vacation since significant health events altered their lives in profound ways.

Seventy-three travelers took part in the cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Glory. The majority of the group heard about the trip through Sheltering Arms’ Club Rec, a day recreation program designed to help individuals adapt to life after an illness or injury through social, recreational and wellness activities.  Nine of the passengers have had strokes, four have suffered traumatic brain injuries, and thirteen additional travelers have experienced amputation, spinal cord injury, and other health conditions. The remaining travelers included family members and friends of these individuals as well as Sheltering Arms staff members who diligently planned the trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for everyone.

“A tremendous amount of detail is involved in planning an accessible trip for a group this large, especially when leaving the country,” says Rhonda Riggleman, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation at Sheltering Arms. “Many of these folks have been too apprehensive to travel since experiencing their illness or injury and we wanted to show them that they can still enjoy the things they love to do.”

Not only did they have the opportunity to enjoy some fun in the sun, but they were able to take part in excursions such as touring the beautiful Atlantis, visiting straw markets in Freeport, and even swimming with dolphins! There were plenty of activities for those who chose to stay on the ship as well, from playing cards on the pool deck to karaoke, comedy shows and musical productions.

The group even stumbled upon a surprise fellow cruiser! Elliott Yamin, who placed third on season 5 of American Idol, posed for pictures and sang karaoke with the Sheltering Arms travelers.

Riggleman and her team planned every detail to accommodate a wide range of disabilities, from securing rooms with wheelchair accessible bathrooms to arranging excursions while visiting island ports.

“We wanted our travelers to be able to enjoy every aspect of their vacation,” Riggleman adds.

For more pictures of the group’s adventures, visit Sheltering Arms on Facebook.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Top 3 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis. It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Learn exercises to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

Avocado toast with turkey bacon and tomato

5 No-Egg Healthy Breakfast Ideas​

As many of you may know, there’s been an ongoing egg shortage due to the bird flu, which has significantly impacted egg prices — up by more than 50% from last year. While this may have made your usual breakfast routine a bit more challenging, fear not! There are plenty of other protein-rich options to fuel your day.

Q&A: What to Expect When Facing an Upper or Lower Limb Amputation

In the United States alone, approximately 185,000 amputations occur each year, and 2 million people are living with limb loss. In recognition of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this article addresses common questions surrounding limb loss, from the reasons for amputation to returning to favorite activities following surgery. An amputation is the surgical removal of part of the body, usually an arm or leg. There are three main reasons for amputation.

The Interdisciplinary Approach in Rehabilitation to Multiple Sclerosis Care

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million people in the United States alone. MS is an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin insulation that surrounds the nerves in the central nervous system. This damage causes widespread symptoms varying in severity, including fatigue, weakness, sensation loss, visual impairments, and walking and balance impairments. These symptoms of MS can impact someone’s mobility, quality of life, ability to work and provide for their family, relationships, and community participation. Because these symptoms can impact so many aspects of a person’s life, a rehabilitative care team should consist of multiple disciplines that work together to provide a collaborative, all-encompassing care plan, called interdisciplinary care.

9 Ways to Improve Sleep After a Concussion

After a concussion, there are a lot of common misconceptions about sleep. Mainly, is it safe to sleep following this mild traumatic brain injury? The answer is yes – it is okay to sleep after a concussion! This misconception stems from an out-of-date recommendation to wake the person up every hour to check on them. However, that is only if there is concern about the risk for a brain hemorrhage or bleed that wasn’t immediately apparent.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.