Unlock the Advantages of Senior Transport Services

While moving around can be challenging for older adults, it's one of the most important things for seniors to do. Research from the American Geriatrics Society shows that spending too much time at home can shorten people's lifespans.

Senior transport services aim to combat these increased mortality rates.

Here, we'll discuss:

The basics of transport for seniors
How they solve common mobility challenges
Where community transportation takes residents
The benefits of senior transportation

Read on to ensure that your loved one can access senior mobility solutions for an increased quality of life.

What Are Senior Transport Services?

Senior transport services are solutions offered by the best Kansas City assisted living communities.

The services aim to get residents out of their well-appointed apartments and out into the wider world. Buses and vans come to the community grounds to take interested residents to events around the city. They also may go to local shopping areas and restaurants.

Problems and Solutions

One common issue that older adults face when getting around is the lack of a license. AARP reports that 75 is the average age when people turn in their car keys. However, this comes with several issues, including:

A loss of independence
An inability to leave
Feelings of being trapped
Less control over daily life

Senior transportation services give those who cannot drive a way to get around.

You may be wondering - why doesn't public transit work for these people?

The answer to this question is twofold.

First, seniors often struggle to get to public transit access points. Bus stops and train stations aren't always within walking distance for young and healthy adults. Seniors face additional challenges like:

Difficulty walking
Slow movements that cause them to miss vehicles
Memory issues that lead to getting lost
Danger when crossing streets slowly

Senior mobility solutions come directly to residential communities. They come right to your loved one's doorstep when they live in a top assisted living community. This means less dangerous wandering and prevents mobility-related exhaustion.

The other problem with public transportation for seniors is the lack of accessibility features. While vehicles must adhere to ADA guidelines, they often are still hard for those with mobility aids to access.

To be truly accessible, buses and trains need:

Wide aisles
Wide seats
Multiple wheelchair-accessible areas
Several seats for those with canes and walkers
Quality wheelchair ramps that work consistently

While not all public transit has these features, transport for seniors prioritizes them.

Your loved one will be easily able to get onto a Kansas City assisted living community vehicle. After all, they're made specifically to accommodate older adults.

In fact, they're often made to accommodate dozens of seniors at once!

Where Can Older Adults Go With Senior Mobility Solutions?

Families may fear that senior mobility is still greatly restricted with accessible transit. Luckily, one of the biggest elderly transportation benefits is the ability to get to a diverse range of destinations!

Residents of Addington Place of Shoal Creek can pick and choose where to go regularly. Our robust activity calendar gives them a lot of options.

Some might include:

Local restaurant outings
Trips to grocery stores
Fun shopping center trips
Excursions to libraries
Theatrical performances
Sporting events in the area
Movie theaters
Academic lectures
Craft fairs
Flea markets

These near-limitless possibilities mean there's an outing that fits everyone's interests. Your loved one will have a lot of exciting events and excursions to look forward to no matter what they're into.

Benefits of Senior Transportation

Beyond safety and accessibility, senior transportation lets older adults maintain their independence. They can ride to various locations of their choosing, which gives them a sense of autonomy.

According to expert psychologists in Delaware, greater autonomy:

Boosts self-esteem
Decreases stress
Releases positive hormones in the brain
Bolsters decision-making
Boosts satisfaction in life
Creates a sense of inner peace
Allows people to prioritize themselves

Independence also encourages people to participate actively in their communities. This is especially important in residential senior living, where older adults make lasting connections.

Senior Socialization

Seniors are at an increased risk for social isolation. This causes loneliness and a lack of emotional connection.

The CDC reports that socially isolated seniors:

Are 50% more likely to develop dementia
Have a 32% increased stroke risk
Are 29% more likely to have heart disease
Have a 4x higher risk of death after heart failure
Have a higher risk of premature death

Reliable senior transit solutions decrease the likelihood of this happening. There are several reasons for this:

Outings with friends strengthen social connections
Going out with other residents who have similar interests
Seniors meet new people outside of the community
Seniors can interact with younger people

Social isolation is less likely, as are its deadly effects.

Benefits for Families

Having a family member who can't get out on their own is challenging. There are a wide range of problems you'll face in these situations as a caregiver, including:

Needing to take time off work to drive loved ones to appointments
Neglecting your own errands and needs to go shopping for seniors
A lack of accessible vehicles to load loved ones and their mobility aids into

You may need to take leaves of absence from work, which limits your ability to bring in a reliable income.

You also may need to spend thousands of dollars trading in your less accessible vehicle for one with more disability-inclusive features.

But this won't happen if your loved one goes to a top-notch Kansas City assisted living community. They can get to shops on their own.

Residents can also book vans in advance to take them to appointments. You won't need to be the driver when your loved one has a medical emergency or wants a dental checkup.

Discover the Advantages of Senior Transit

Now that you know the ins and outs of senior transport services, it's time to unlock these advantages for yourself and your older loved ones.

Addington Place of Shoal Creek is committed to offering robust transportation options. Our senior community is excited to improve your loved one's mobility so they can make the most of their golden years.