Benefits to Assisted Living Transportation:
For seniors living in assisted living facilities, transportation options are varied and can depend on what the facility can offer. It is very important when searching for an assisted living facility that you ask what transportation they offer and what it may cost. If the facility is located in Farmington Hills, Troy, Novi, or Metro Detroit, there are many exciting things to do locally that your loved one may want transportation for.
There are many Americans, age 65 and older, who do not have access to public transportation. This causes many of them to stay home when they have things they could be doing. People who live in rural areas and small towns are even more affected because of limited transportation options.
It is very important for seniors to remain mobile in order to keep their social independence with friends and family. Being mobile reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness, and encourages a sense of community. Being a part of the community helps increase overall wellbeing and decreases the strain on mental health issues such as depression.
There are personal transportation options through state programs, non-profit organizations, and private businesses if you or a loved one can no longer drive. These transportation services are usually available to provide transport to and from an assisted living facility. There are many different types of transportation available such as:
Volunteer Driver Programs. These are typically faith-based or operated through a non-profit organization. They provide a group of volunteers who provide transportation as needed to things such as doctor appointments, shopping, church, and other things. These services are often free or come at a minimal cost.
Door to Door Services. These agencies provide drivers who give personal assistance (wheelchair help, help with bags, etc.) from a passenger's door to the door of their destination and back.
Para-transit Service. Private agencies provide transportation using minibuses or small vans to the elderly or those with disabilities. In order to use paratransit, you need to qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You must show that your mobility issues prevent you from taking regular public transit. Qualifications are different in different areas, but factors considered include: what your disability is, your level of functionality, and mobility obstacles in your area that may prevent you from reaching public transit on your own. As well as environmental conditions.
Depending on what type of assisted living facility your loved one is staying in, whether, in Novi, Farmington Hills, Troy, or Metro Detroit, they may provide their own on-site transportation.