It’s inspiring to see how our community members step-up to help

With the support of a generous donor, a new Car Transfer Simulator is helping rehab patients at Bronson Commons prepare to safely get back out-and-about in a vehicle following an injury and/or surgery.

The simulator allows patients and caregivers to practice car transfer skills in the comfort and safety of an indoor setting. It is set up just like a car- with an adjustable seat, seat belts, a tilt steering column, functional doors, handles and keyed locks.

Safe transferring in and out of a car is key to ensuring that patients can get to medical appointments, attend family events and stay involved and connected to their communities.

“We see 60-80 patients each month. In order to prepare them to return home and back to their daily routines, we need to make sure they can get in and out of a vehicle,” explains Lars Ruser, supervisor of rehabilitation at Bronson Commons. “Before getting the simulator, we had to rely on using real vehicles outdoors, which could be challenging due to weather and accessibility for staff. We are thrilled to have this new tool available so we can consistently offer this to our patients right inside our facility.”

The simulator was purchased through a donor advised fund at the Bronson Health Foundation. “We had a generous donor who selected this project because it clearly has a direct positive impact on patients,” says Liz Semaan, executive director of the Foundation. “This simulator is a great example of how gifts to the Foundation really make a difference for a wide range of patients and families. It’s inspiring to see how our community members step-up to help in such a variety of ways.”