The situation one would expect is that the caregiver could run the errands or transport your loved one to his/her appointments. The reality for many of us is that the chance of hiring a caregiver provider is slim due to the costs and family members do not always live close enough. So that is why seniors should know about their options when it come to find transportation assistance.  Also, if your loved one is fortunate enough to have a caregiver, there could be times when they want to have some freedom and go out on their own.

Volunteer Drivers

There are some non-profit institutions, or churches, that have volunteers that are willing to assist seniors concerning their transportation issues, whether is to run an errand or a visit to their physician. This kind of assistance might consist of one-way trips or multi-stops schedules. The cost might vary from a donation up to a minimum price per mile. Be aware that if you decide to go for these kind of services you will have to make a reservation in advance.

Paratransit Agencies

Agencies, whether the are private or public ones, will offer transportation services to a small number of people with mobility issues. The kind of vehicles will be vans or minibuses and you will usually have to share the ride with up to 25 people. In most cases these vehicles are suited for people with lack of mobility and accessible for handicapped people. The price will be a fixed one independent of the distance traveled. This service will drop their client and then pick them up at a given time. Since this service has got a lot of demand you should also book their service in advance.

Public Transportation System

Public buses, metro or trains are part of the public transport and they are also an option for seniors to use, but you should be aware that these services are better for elderly people that can get around on their own. There are some benefits for senior citizens that use the public transportation system; discounted fairs or coupons are some of the benefits they might have.

Mobility is an important aspect of independence and the loss of mobility can lead to depression, decreased motivation and poor circulation problems. When we care for a client with reduced mobility, we consider it important to take measures to provide as much motivation as possible when dealing with these issues.

First, our caregiver can consider the variant of the mobility issues within the client. Are these issues temporary and require changes for a short period of time or are the mobility issues permanent and lasting changes must be made within the routine? Hearts at Home Senior Care have techniques to assist clients with mobility issues.

After the above answer has been determined our care givers can use the following methods to assist seniors with limited mobility:

1.     For temporary mobility. Our caregivers can be used on a part-time or full-time basis ensuring the senior is able to maintain their livelihood, hobbies and interestests.  Assisting with the preparation of meals and assisting in bathroom and other hygeinic matters also ensures our clients remain mobile.

2.     Full advantage will be taken of tools and equipment available to increase the limited mobility that is evident in many elderly patients. This can include the use of wheel chairs, power chairs, walkers, and ramps as well as many other accessibility options. These can make life easier for care givers and provide support to the senior with limited mobility. There are pieces of equipment available for every aspect of care and for every room in the home.

3.     Mobile items that can be used when the senior choose to run errands and attend family events or community organizations that can ease the stress of the caregiver will be used as much as possible. Compact chairs and walkers that can easily fold and fit into vehicles, as well as seats that can swivel and rise, making it easy to get out of the vehicle can assist the caregiver in removing the client from the vehicle, alone, without the help of others.

4.     Our caregivers will help the client to deal with the feelings of frustration and anxiety that are associated with limited mobility and the loss of independence. Talking to the client, offering information for support groups and hotlines while using tools that can make life easier for the client are all effective methods to reduce these types of frustrations.

1. Ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive and Insured

This is a requirement for any outing that will include the senior traveling in the car of the care giver. The car will have up to date insurance and be safe to drive throughout the entire process. Hearts at Home caregivers are given a very thorough motor vehicle background check.

2. Have Equipment Required for Mobility

Does the client require a walker or another device to assist with their mobility? If this is the case these items would be brought along for the outing to ensure that safety guidelines are adhered to.

3. Have an Itinerary for the trip

Does the client need to run any specific errands? Our caregiver will determine which areas of the community the client needs to attend (be it in Houston, Pearland, Spring, Friendswood, Katy, Cypress) – whether they need to pay bills, pick up some groceries from the supermarket or they simply require a quick visit to the pharmacy.  A complete itinerary that can save time when going out into the community, making the most of the trip will then leave time for leisure activities that the senior enjoys, such as a trip to the local café.

4. Determine any precautions that should be taken before leaving the Home

Does the senior require oxygen or any special medication which must be taken into account when leaving the home? If so, even if leaving the home for only a short while, our care givers will help remind the client that these are necessary and should not be left within the home in case the medication, or oxygen is required.

5. Avoid High Risk Situations that could potentially Danger the Client

Depending on the state of health of the client, it may be medically necessary to avoid situations such as extreme hot or cold weather. Avoiding these situations is essential and would be considered before running errands or completing an outing.

Hearts at Home caregivers ensure that all of these factors are adhered to and will enable a safer relationship between the client and the care givers. Hearts at Home is an organization that allows safe practices for outings for all clients involved in programs at home.