One of the most challenging aspects of life with a senior family member is the moment you need to ask for the car keys. Many older folks gradually lose their ability to operate a vehicle safely, but the change is so incremental that they may not notice (or want to believe) that this independent stage of their life is coming to a close.
However, thanks to senior citizen transportation services, aging adults do not need to give up the ability to leave the home and participate in the community. Senior-tailored transportation services can enhance independence thanks to their customized offerings, including accessible vehicle features, specialized driver training, and personalized scheduling options.
When seniors can access safe, predictable transport that looks out for their best interests, they can retain much of their independent lifestyle.
Understanding Senior Citizen Transportation
Senior citizen transport comes in many forms, from rideshares with accessible features to senior-specific services offered by non-profit organizations or volunteers. In general, the elements that make senior citizen transportation services ideal for older folks are:
1. Accessibility
Most transportation services will operate using vans with extra safety features. These can include wheelchair ramps and straps for transporting accessibility devices to extra hand-holds inside the vehicle.
2. Driver Training
The people who work in accessible transportation are specifically trained to do so. They often complete training programs oriented toward how to secure a wheelchair during a drive and how to keep older individuals safe while they are out and about.
3. Scheduling
Senior citizens do not need to worry about bus schedules or hailing a cab with transportation services. Instead, they can schedule a ride multiple days in advance at a convenient time, giving them plenty of time to prepare and plan.
All of these transportation features geared toward seniors make this service more useful than driving themselves. By enabling them to get out of the house, senior transportation also offers numerous wellness benefits.
Empowers Seniors to Maintain Mobility
Aging individuals stuck at home often experience a faster decrease in mobility than those who remain active outside the house. Continued exercise and movement keep the body in good health for longer, reducing the risk of fall-related injuries. When seniors have access to transportation services, they are more likely to continue exploring the world than sitting stiffly in a chair all day.
Allows Seniors to Participate in Community
Seniors need not give up their friends and social lives after they lose the ability to drive. Transportation services allow older folks to continue to participate in their community. Whether bingo nights or a book club, engagement with others is essential for emotional fulfillment and mental stimulation.
Facilitates a Fulfilling Life
Life does not end just because an adult cannot drive anymore. Your aging loved one still has hobbies, values, and interests that they should feel empowered to explore, and senior citizen transportation is the key to unlocking new and exciting opportunities. It encourages them to stay curious, which is great for both mental health and physical engagement.
Protects a Senior’s Health
Pursuing hobbies and visiting friends are not the only reasons an older adult might want or need to leave the house. Senior citizen transportation often takes charge of medical appointments, making sure older folks get to their doctor’s office safely and on time.
This service allows aging adults to stay on top of their healthcare, which can prolong their lives and make sure they receive proper treatment for any medical concerns in a timely manner.
Eases Familial Strain
When an older adult no longer has the ability to drive, most families take that responsibility upon themselves. Tasks they did not previously need to supervise, such as grocery shopping for the senior, now become their job, which takes time and energy.
Transportation services can remove this obligation from the senior’s family to reduce the chances of burnout. This, in turn, helps to maintain a positive familial environment that is productive and energized for everyone, including the senior.
Explore Senior Citizen Transportation Services in Your Area
Senior citizen transportation is a local resource that empowers older folks to remain active and engaged despite their loss of driving privileges. Getting older does not have to mean your loved one is trapped in the house. However, to properly support your family member, be sure to leverage local resources such as transportation services.
Contact us to learn how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities like Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, call us, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you!
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.