Aging at Home Transportation
Aging at Home adds Reliable Transportation to its Services for Seniors
For many seniors, accessing reliable transportation can be a challenge. Tasks that were once simple – like running errands or getting to a medical appointment – become a stressful ordeal.To help compliment transportation services offered in Delaware County, Aging at Home – A Community Network hopes to help fill the transportation gap for seniors who require occasional trips to the hair salon, market or to medical appointments within their community.
Aging at Home, assists older adults living within Aldan, Colwyn, Darby, East Lansdowne, Lansdowne and Yeadon boroughs and helps provide support for seniors who need just a little assistance to maintain their independence in the community.
“Our goal is to work with seniors living in the Greater Lansdowne area who need access to reliable transportation, and who are not connected to Community Transit,” said Trindy Grundy, associate director of long term care at Senior Community Services. “Our plan is to work hand-in-hand with the available transportation services provided in the county, while enhancing the needs of those specifically in our catchment area.”
Aging at Home members, ages 60 and over can access transportation on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those in need of a ride within the service area for medical appointments and errands are asked to contact the program at least 48 hours prior to their need for transportation. A donation of $5 is requested for each ride and must be within a 7 mile radius from the member’s home.
Rides will be provided by trained Senior Community Services staff members in a new Ford C-MAX Hybrid vehicle.
“Our team is excited to roll out this transportation service for seniors,” said Christine Helmandollar, director of Aging at Home. “Both staff and drivers have devised an easy process to schedule rides and provide door-to-door service in the attractive brand new Aging at Home car.”
In addition to providing transportation, Aging at Home also provides other services for seniors. On September 27 volunteers from Vanguard will help to paint the interior of local seniors’ homes. The volunteers are already scheduled to paint six homes, but Aging at Home welcomes additional requests.
The program will also offer weatherization services for members. There will be an initial weatherization kick-off on October 24. Those interested in that service are encouraged to contact the program for more information.
Aging at Home launched in November 2013 and has already helped over 250 seniors.
Aging at Home launched in November 2013 and has already helped over 250 seniors.
The program is funded by a grant from the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. The grant allows staff to provide key services that seniors need to remain independent in the community: with house/yard work and minor home repairs; home delivered meals; guidance with health insurance and prescription coverage options; transportation; help reducing the financial and emotional stress of caring for an aging loved one; and healthy living and lifelong learning classes.
Edna Robinson of Yeadon recently had yard work completed by Aging at Home. Normally she relies on a neighbor, but never knows when he is going to cut her grass. Having the task completed in a timely manner was a big help, she said.
“They made it look nicer and cleaned it up,” she said. “That was worth it.”
During an initial pilot period, the program is free. Beginning in January 2015 members can continue to benefit by paying an annual membership fee of $35.
If you need assistance and live in one of the communities served by Aging at Home or would like to volunteer your time, please contact the program at 484-534-2201.
