Transportation Challenges for the Elderly
According to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, As the nation’s aging population continues to rise – with 1 in every 5 Americans expected to be 65+ by 2020 – the provision of safe and accessible transportation options remains a top concern of older adults, caregivers and the communities where they live. (1)
Accessible transportation services are critical for enabling older adults to live independently. Most older adults – nearly 90%, according to AARP – choose to age in place in their homes and communities. Successful community living requires access to medical and other essential services. While the health impact of reduced access to needed medical services is obvious (missed appointments, emergency hospital visits, lack of continual care), social isolation due to lack of transportation can have an equally negative effect on health and mental health. Without accessible, reliable and affordable transportation, many more older adults could face the possibility of placement in a long-term care facility. (1)
However, did you know that currently, there are about 8.4 million senior citizens who depend on others for their transportation. Very soon, the number of older drivers will more than double, making the issue of senior transportation even more critical. In fact, 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. Because America’s roads and automobiles are not designed for the elderly population – and because the skills and abilities associated with driving tend to diminish with age – viable alternate forms of transportation for the elderly have become an important issue for today and the years to come.
While public transportation is an option for many seniors, for others public transit may be limited or even nonexistent. In those cases, seniors or their caregivers must rely on other options. One such option is “assisted transportation” for seniors who need “door to door” service. Traditional ride-share companies (Uber, Lyft, etc..) provide only curb-side accessibility and often wait only a few minutes before they are off to their next ride.
Realizing this limitation, SendaRide was developed to provide true “door to door service’”. SendaRide uses drivers that are recruited from the healthcare industry and called “Care Partners”. Each Care Partner must pass an industry leading seven-year comprehensive background check as well as completing training in a number of clinical areas including sensitivity training on the needs of the elderly.
By providing an affordable and convenient transportation option for seniors, using SendaRide can assist older adults to stay independent and socially engaged.
Whether it is a trip to the doctor, pharmacy, wellness center, or to adult day care, SendaRide provides a safe and secure option for Seniors and/or their caregivers.
(1)Older Adults and Transportation, https://www.nadtc.org
Greg Meyers, MBA
Director, Growth Strategy
SendaRide, Inc
Photo by Christopher on Unsplash
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