Choosing to give up driving is a challenge for most older adults. By 75, though, most seniors have turned in their keys and moved on to a new chapter in their lives. Unfortunately, this leads to more time spent indoors and less time having exciting experiences.
Senior transport services at assisted living communities can help keep your aging loved one comfortable after they turn over their license. Read on to learn the ins and outs of senior transportation services and why they’re important.
The Basics of Senior Transport Solutions
When seniors move into great assisted living communities in Oklahoma City, they gain access to a wide range of quality amenities. From a gorgeous apartment to an en-suite kitchenette, there are several things to help them thrive inside their homes.
There are also community events to enjoy, like book clubs and exercise groups. Some of these events and activities take place outside of community grounds, which allows residents to get out and enjoy local attractions.
Senior transport services make this possible. When it’s time for off-campus calendar events, accessible buses and vans come directly to the community. Seniors will have an easy time getting to them and can easily go on excursions.
This increases mobility and opens residents up to new and exciting experiences.
Making Transportation Possible
Families may wonder why this is important when public transit is available in other parts of Oklahoma City. Unfortunately, this is not always an ideal solution for elderly individuals with unique accessibility needs.
For one thing, normal public transit isn’t usually accessible for those with mobility or memory issues. Bus stops and train stations can be nearly impossible to get to with a wheelchair or walker. This is especially true for seniors who don’t have licenses or vehicles to get to these pick-up points.
Those with memory issues may also struggle to remember where public transit stops are. This could lead to wandering, which is especially dangerous near the roads or train tracks that buses, cabs, and trains go to.
Senior living communities resolve these problems by bringing transportation solutions directly to resident’s doorsteps. They can head over to a safe common area in the community, and help is available for those who need mobility assistance.
There are a wide range of destinations that they can enjoy visiting, including:
- Local restaurants
- Nearby shops and malls
- Academic lectures
- Comedy shows
- Live theater performances and plays
- Movie theaters
- Sports stadiums
- Golf courses
These are just a few options – there’s something for everyone!
Accessibility Features for Comfortable Senior Rides
For the sake of argument, let’s say that you live right next to a bus stop. You’re confident that your aging loved one can get there without facing the potentially dangerous issues with a far-away pickup point.
Another issue comes into play: the accessibility of the vehicle itself.
Public buses in places like Oklahoma City are made with space for a couple of wheelchairs. However, loading mobility aids onto the buses is still challenging. If there are other disabled passengers, there still may not be space for your loved one to get their walker or wheelchair onto the bus.
A high volume of passengers on a public bus or train also means that seniors may struggle to sit down. The ride is bumpy and they may be jostled into nearby riders. This can cause dangerous falls.
Ubers and cabs are no better. There’s no guarantee that they’ll have space for mobility aids. Worse, they’re unlikely to have the wide doorways that seniors need to safely get into the vehicle. If they do, they still are unlikely to be of an appropriate height.
Buses and vans at senior living communities are specially made to accommodate the needs of those with low mobility. There’s plenty of space for mobility aids, and seats are spaced out with seniors in mind. Safe senior transit also means seats of an appropriate height and wide doorways, which all Dorset Place vehicles offer.
Plus, residents can get assistance when getting into the vehicle, so it’s even more accessible than it would otherwise be!
The Benefits of Senior Living Transportation for Families
Some families think that they can simply drive their elderly loved ones around when necessary. You may believe that you can make doctor’s appointments and grocery store visits possible.
Unfortunately, this can be extremely inconvenient for those who work long hours. Many families can’t realistically base their schedule around their loved ones’ daily needs.
Being the sole driver for your loved one also greatly limits their mobility. They’re likely to become frustrated with the lack of independence. They may also feel guilty for asking for so many favors.
For some families, this isn’t even possible because of the size and type of vehicle available. Many people don’t have big enough cars to accommodate those with mobility challenges. Those who do still may need to shell out a lot of cash for wheelchair ramps and accessible seatbelts.
That’s where senior living transportation comes in!
In a senior living community, transit services exist to keep seniors moving. Our residents aren’t ready to slow down, and we don’t want them to! That’s why we offer regular transportation all around Oklahoma City.
You won’t need to take time off work to accommodate your loved one’s reasonable needs. They’ll be able to go to more places than just the doctor and the grocery store, especially because our chef-prepared meals eliminate the need for regular supermarket visits. Seniors can focus on having fun at shopping centers, local restaurants, Oklahoma City movies and live performances, concerts, and more.
Find a Community With Safe Senior Transport
Now that you know the ins and outs of senior transportation solutions at assisted living communities, it’s time to begin looking into your available options. Dorset Place is committed to helping older adults with day-to-day tasks and providing safe and accessible senior transport.
Our Oklahoma community is excited to help families create individual care plans for their loved ones. Contact our team with any remaining questions you have and schedule a tour of our community today.
