Why it’s Vital to Provide Independent Transportation for the Elderly
- Written by Be Driven Administrator
- font size
- Be the first to comment!
People lose their ability to drive safely when they age. This can be attributed to many causes, including vision problems or diminishing motor skills. Today, about 8.4 million senior citizens are dependent on others for transportation. In a matter of years, this number will double. In 15 years, by 2030, the elderly population dependant on others to drive them would be about 4 to 5 times of what it is today.
Restrictions on Independence
At Be Driven, we’re aware that the inability to drive can put severe restrictions on one’s movement. People who’ve driven to work, appointments, etc, all their lives feel the loss keenly. In most cases, the elderly don’t even realize that they’re unable to drive and need to be made aware of the fact gently. If you’re a caregiver, you might have to come up with alternative means of transportation for the elderly.
While a family member or caregiver can drive a person around, it’s not always possible. The elderly don’t like to cause trouble and tend to plan around your schedule. This can cause them to deny invitations or social engagements during the time you might be unavailable. Being unable to move about freely can be psychologically stressful for them and make them feel more isolated and alone.
A Reliable Solution
Some of the elderly are physically fit enough to take public transportation. However, that can be stressful for most people, as they’ll have to walk to the bus stop and wait for the bus to arrive, or find ways to get to the station. Cabs can help but they’re not always reliable.
Private transportation for the elderly can help them get from one place to another easily. Here are some points to consider:
- They can pick-up and drop-off people at their door step. A person won’t need to travel to a pick-up spot.
- You can set a pre-planned fixed route for regular commutes. For example, if an elderly person needs to regularly travel to the doctor, or a place of business, private transport can help.
- Emergency pick-up and drop-off is also available, in case a person needs to go somewhere urgently.
Be Driven believes that the elderly deserve their independence and need to have the freedom to move about at their own leisure. If you have any questions regarding our transportation for the elderly service, just fill in this contact us form and we’ll get back to you. If you require an immediate response, give us a call at 1 800 233 7483.
