Purpose:
How was the issue identified?
The issue of a lack of affordable, timely, personalized, and friendly transportation for frail seniors was identified by the South Side Seniors Community Council. The following members formed a working group to explore the issue and make recommendations to the Council.
Partnership Participants:
Southside area senior citizens
Seniors Caring About Seniors (SCAS)
Southeast Edmonton Seniors Association (SEESA)
Bonnie Doon Public Health Centre
Millcreek Community and Family Services
Strathcona Place Senior Centre
Activities:
What We Did:
Literature review of special transportation provided for seniors (Canadian Programs)
Assessed the ability of the community to provide transportation for seniors (eg. agencies with a Seniors mandate, private citizen resources, seniors citizens centres, DATS, SCAS, Capital Care)
Considered the purchase of a vehicle for transportation purposes to be funded by a service club.
Approached a service club to take on the management, funding and coordination of the transportation service.
Recommendations:
The program needs to be expanded to all areas of the region using a community based outreach approach. Non-profit groups are ideal to provide this serve; funding is an issue, however, as fees do not generate sufficient income to sustain a program of this type despite the large volunteer commitment.
Success:
What We Learned:
The community had a limited ability to provide transportation in a consistent and coordinated way to meet the needs of the frail seniors
Many programs had been initiated but weren't sustained due to lack of human resources
To listen to what the seniors had to say about what would make a difference
To provide input but allow operational details to be handled by the senior's agency providing the service
Health professionals did not see the issue of transportation as part of health services
Transportation services need to be coupled with outreach services
Reasons for success:
What Happened:
Seniors Caring About Seniors were given the mandate to set up and coordinate a transportation system using preexisting examples as reference to create a unique model for southeast Edmonton.
Seniors Caring About Seniors already had a mandate to provide services and support to enable seniors to remain in their homes independently. Transportation was added to their other services in September 1994 on the recommendation of the working group and South Side Seniors Community Council. Members of the Council were given brochures to be made available for seniors and to recruit volunteer drivers
Some operational monies were provided by Community and Family Services and the Wild Rose Foundation
Volunteer drivers are recruited, interviewed, police screened (criminal and driver record checks), and receive their insurance company's approval in writing
A system of preselling ride tickets were established; each senior purchasing tickets receives a home visit from a SCAS outreach volunteer to discuss the program and establish a personal relationship
The driver provides door-to-door assistance wand will stay with the senior for the duration of their outing
120- 150 rides per month are being booked. The demand exceeds the number of drivers available to provide this service.
Negotiated with Grey Nuns Community Health Centre for reduced fee parking for volunteers and a loading and unloading zone for drivers who need to accompany the seniors into the building.
What Difference Has Been Made?
Seniors who are unable to leave their homes previously now access health care services with the supports associated with this transportation service
Persons with poor memories who have been unable to use buses or taxis have successfully used the SCAS transportation
Through knowing their driver personally, some seniors have said they feel less anxious about leaving their home and being able to safely reach their destination
Seniors who have a spouse in a nursing home are now able to make regular visits.
Seniors with balance difficulties or a fear of falling have decreased risk of injury as they are accompanied and assisted as needed by a driver who knows their health limitations
Seniors who need additional support to pick up groceries, have prescriptions filled or do banking will be assisted by their driver, which limits stress and anxiety
Seniors who have been homebound are now able to volunteer in their community
Next Steps:
Seniors Caring About Seniors will continue to provide expertise regarding the development of user-friendly transportation systems both within Edmonton and elsewhere
In order to meet the demand, additional resources are being solicited: more volunteer drivers and some operating funds
Monitoring the program to ensure the highest needs seniors are prioritized for receiving rides
Exploring options to car pool for shopping, outings, visits to nursing homes, and Friendship and Caring Groups
In order to accommodate high demand at certain times the coordinator will continue to explore planning activities for another day so as not to deny the request altogether.
Anna Der, Coordinator, SCAS
Strathern School, 8728 - 93 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
Phone: (780) 465-0311