The Origins of the Wheel Chair Home - 1960 - 1969

The 1960's were a time of modernization for the Wheel Chair Home. In 1962, the Board of Directors approved remodeling the kitchen, and made two rooms available on the ground floor. In a further nod to changing health care, the Board changed its incorporation papers to include infirmary care. In 1962, they added these rooms: four on the second floor over the kitchen and dining room, drug, isolation, examining and nurse's chart. They also remodeled and refurbished the dining room, and in 1964 added a dental room and beauty salon.

The tradition of an all-female Board of Directors continued in the 1960's. The board met on the second and fourth Mondays of the month to oversee the home.

 There were frequent parties and social events in the 1960's. The Board of Directors celebrated a Golden Anniversary Tea to commemorate the 50th Anniversary. As in previous decades, service clubs such as the Zonta Club of Kenmore, the Kenmore Rotary Club and the Lions Club regularly donated items for the residents. December 1965 Christmas turkeys come from the Rotary Club.

Dramatic nationwide changes to healthcare come in 1965 with the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid. "Medicare has been taken care of through the Kenmore District Social Security Office for everyone who wished to sign up," reported Mrs. Effrick to the Board in March 1966. However, the organization did not apply for certification under the plans in 1966 "as it is the consensus of opinion that we are not adaptable as we now operate the home." Residents of the home who depleted their funds were eligible for Old Age Welfare Assistance, and as of 1966, 18 residents received these payments.

A "Progress Note" from 1967 says that the home has now "added a Physiotherapy and Podiatry room completely equipped." In 1968, the home installs a Nurses Call system.

While times are changing, some customs continue. In 1968, the Administrator's Report notes, "Two of the original Residents must take brandy for medicinal purposes. They have been paying for it themselves out of their $5.00 allowance." The Administrator asks for approval to purchase brandy and the Board grants her request.

On November 24, 1969, co-directors report to the Board good news: the United Fund has granted the request for money to cover the first six-month deficit of almost $10,000.

The Silver Tea took the place of the old Donation Day tradition. Proceeds from the 1969 Tea were $1,455.