Virginia is a prime location for older folks, both long-time residents and those who choose an idyllic area for retirement. As community members age, it is not unusual for them to lose some of the mobility that they have enjoyed for most of their lives.
The good news is that there is a robust senior citizen transportation scene in Vienna, VA, and many options are available if your loved one needs assistance.
Here’s how local initiatives and community-driven solutions are improving senior mobility in Vienna and how you can take advantage of these programs and opportunities.
Community Partnerships and Collaborations
Vienna is fortunate to have many volunteer groups and non-profits focusing on senior living and ensuring the older generation has the same opportunities as everyone else.
The Town of Vienna offers numerous partnerships, such as drop-in programs and day trips, to help get older individuals in the community out and about safely. The town also hosts classes on health and wellness to help aging adults maintain their mobility for as long as possible.
Additionally, local organizations such as The Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia and Visiting Angels offer senior citizen transportation for various tasks, from medical visits to running errands.
Some options include volunteers running these errands on behalf of an older person, while others utilize support professionals who supervise the adult while they run errands.
Senior Citizen Transportation Services and Programs
Whenever possible, older individuals should be encouraged to get out of the house and explore, run errands, and spend time with friends — as long as they can do so safely. Vienna is home to numerous transportation services for this reason. The most accessible options are:
Shuttle services
Many local organizations provide shuttles for older folks. The SCNOVA transportation service can be scheduled a few days in advance, and VA Transportation Healthcare comes with wheelchair-friendly vans for those who need extra accessibility options.
Ridesharing
Vienna is no stranger to rideshare programs, which provide greater flexibility to seniors. Rideshares may be available at all times of day, and those who focus on transporting older folks often have fully equipped vans and other safety features.
Public transit
Seniors may take advantage of public transportation if they can do so safely. Seniors-on-the-Go and Taxi Access are just some of the many regional programs that offer discounted fares on transit options such as taxis, and city buses are already equipped with wheelchair options for those who need them.
Technology Solutions for Senior Mobility
Now more than ever, technology is making mobility simple. Your loved one does not need to wait outside in the weather to check the bus schedule or hail a taxi. Instead, smartphone apps can connect older individuals with transit schedules and routes ahead of time so they can plan their outings at their leisure.
Additionally, ride-hailing platforms directly connect seniors with transportation options rather than relying on municipal sources and complex telephone menus. This brings transportation on-demand to older adults in the Vienna region.
However, to make the most of these opportunities, families must educate their loved ones on using digital technology, ridesharing services, and apps.
Bridging the digital divide not only equips your family member with the knowledge and technological savvy to use apps and online services without your help; it also keeps them safe from scams that target the elderly and bad actors who may try to take advantage of their limited mobility.
Ensure the technology you use for your loved one’s outdoor excursions is inclusive and user-friendly for older adults so that they can tackle as much of the process on their own as possible. This will improve their mental well-being and keep them in control of their lives because freedom of choice matters no matter their age.
Improve Your Loved One’s Well-Being with Local Resources
Vienna, VA, is home to hundreds of heartfelt volunteers and interested parties who serve as the powerhouse behind the many local initiatives that provide senior transportation and mobility services to the community.
If you live in or near Vienna, ensuring your elderly loved one has reliable transportation is one of the most important things you can do to ensure their long-term safety and well-being. Aging in place successfully does not have to mean staying cooped up at home.
The experts at the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia provide transportation services and help connect families with the local resources they need to succeed in caring for an older adult. Contact SCNOVA to explore your transportation options, mobility assistance services, and more to keep your family member active in the community.
December 3, 2024, we ask you to please keep the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia in mind. As a non-profit we rely solely upon the support of community partners, grants and donations. To put your generosity into perspective, remember this, our funds go to enriching the lives of older adults in the communities we serve.