Everyone
slows down and develops physical frailties as they age. This does not mean that
the elderly lose interest in travel, physical activities, socializing and
entertainment outside the home. In fact, these activities and the mental
stimulus that they provide are an important factor in helping seniors remain
mentally alert and agile. The problem that many of the elderly face is that their physical limitations often affect
their ability to travel. Travel, in this context,
does not mean long-distance journeys; it
means being able to move around town to get to places and people of interest.
According to a 2011 report published by the National Caregivers Library, there
are 8.4 million seniors in this country who are dependent on others for their
transportation. There are a number of reasons for this:
· Driving: Cars and roads are designed
for use by younger fit drivers. Slowing reflexes, diminished eyesight and loss of energy/stamina all make it not just
difficult but also unsafe for seniors to drive themselves.
· Taxis: Getting a taxi when it is
needed is often a problem. Add to this the difficulty that some seniors have in
entering and exiting cars means taxis are often not a viable form of transport.
Add to this is the discomfort that the physically impaired may feel when
sitting in a regular car seat and the problems increase manifold.
· Buses and Subways: Climbing on to a bus can be
impossible for the elderly and if they do get on board, moving down the aisle
to find a seat and then sitting on a hard bench can be next to impossible. The
same problem arises with subways with the added issue of
getting in and out of the station.
· Steps and Ramps: Walking, even for short
distances, can be dangerous because of the existence of steps and ramps that
seniors may have trouble negotiating. A fall could have very serious consequences.
Transportation for the Elderly and
Infirm
The
elderly often do not talk about the problems they face because they do not want
to be a burden to others and because they
feel there is no solution and they have to live with it. A loved one may be
suffering in silence. The dangers that these issues pose is often overlooked –
the loss of mobility and freedom may cause physical, mental and emotional
degeneration that can have a serious impact on the quality of life of the elderly. If you have an elderly
loved one who is unable to travel because of the issues outlined here, there is
a solution. It is called Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT). Companies that
offer this service have specially designed vehicles to cater for the needs of
the elderly and infirm and drivers trained in the transportation and care of
these passengers. From doorstep pickup to a safe trip and, if required, standby
service for the return home, the elderly can once again have the freedom that
is such an important part of life and happiness.
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