SendaRide Partners with Aging Services Communities to Provide Safe and Secure Transportation

Caregivers Guide:

While no individual plans for a time when he or she will lose their ability to drive, as we age, there are a lot of factors that can cause that to happen. As a loved one or caregiver, you probably assume they will know when it is time to stop driving.  That isn’t always the case.  Driving is one of the last few areas where a person feels independent.  They aren’t relying on anyone else to get them where they are going – and they love that feeling of freedom.  So, when driving is restricted, it can sometimes bring on a feeling of social alienation which can lead to depression.  As a caregiver, that can be a tough conversation to have.  Even individuals who realize they shouldn’t be driving, may get defensive when approached about the issue.  Even health care providers sometimes struggle with determining the right time to restrict driving.

With 1 in every 5 Americans expected to be 65+ in 2020 – the concern for safe and accessible transportation options remains top of mind for older adults, caregivers, and the communities where they live.

Many older adults live active lives, are safe drivers, but for one reason or another, they don’t have access to a vehicle.  While others have access but may have a medical condition or recent accident that restricts driving.   There is no specific age at which people are no longer safe drivers, even though some medical conditions or disabilities are more prevalent in older adults, which can certainly impact the ability to drive.  We live in a culture that values independence, even encourages you to go where you want, when you want to go.  So, the thought of giving up the ability to be independent can be somewhat overwhelming.

Medical Transportation:
Many older adults feel powerless due to lack of transportation.  Therefore, they skip much needed medical appointments.  Currently, there are over 8 million older adults who seek transportation from a family member, friend, or caregiver.  Soon, that number will rise to almost double, making the issue of senior transportation even more critical. According to the Administration on Aging, by the year 2030 the number of drivers over age 85 will be 4–5 times what it is today, making the need for elderly transportation a critical one.

Missed or “no-show” medical appointments due to lack of transportation effects quality of life, costs the healthcare industry billions of dollars due to missed appointments, rehospitalizations, and declining health.  So, finding a good alternative to transportation is getting more and more imperative.

Some aging services communities provide transportation for their residents to and from “common” places such as the grocery store.  This may consist of a facility van, planned day and time – group outings.  But what about your residents who are more independent and want to go to their chosen physician, or a family members home during the holidays or special occasion?

SendaRide Non-Emergency Medical Transportation:

Unlike other rideshare programs, SendaRide was created and customized for the health care industry.  Personalized door-to-door service makes them unique, along with their state-of-the-art technology.  Each ride offers the rider, their family, or caregiver, the assurance that they will arrive at their desired location safely and on time.  All rides are recorded, and the SendaRide app shows the ride in progress. Family members and caregivers can stay in contact with the drivers before and during the ride.

By providing non-emergency medical transportation, patients are more likely to arrive at their scheduled appointment which reduces long term health care costs, increases facility efficiency, and improves patient quality of life.

Door-to-door service to and from the vehicle, friendly Care Partners (drivers), and the assurance that each rider will arrive at their destination safely is the SendaRide Standard.  Providing the care each resident needs when they need it, is top priority.  Medical transportation is the New Normal in health care.

For more information on partnering with SendaRide, contact Jessica Hylander at business@SendaRide.com,
1-800-731-1885 or, by visiting www.sendaride.com.