Right now, more than 1 in 5 Americans that are older than age 65 can’t drive. With more than 600,000 people stopping driving every year, transporting the elderly is an issue with no end.
Solving this issue while allowing seniors to keep their social independence can be a struggle.
Luckily, door-through-door transportation is an excellent solution to this problem. There are several benefits to helping your loved ones get where they need to go with this service.
Keep reading to learn more about door-through-door transportation.
What Is Door-Through-Door Transportation?
Door-through-door transportation is a form of assisted transportation to help senior citizens get where they need to go.
However, it’s different from curb-to-curb transportation. Instead of dropping them off outside of their house, the driver or service helps the patient get into their home safely.
This can be helpful or even necessary for the senior citizen that is bedridden, handicapped, or just in need of a little extra help getting into and out of their house safely.
The Benefits of Door-Through-Door Transportation
Although there are several different options for seniors to get around, like public transportation, para-transit services, taxis, private ride services, and more, door-through-door transportation is one of the best options. Let’s take a look at several reasons why.
Physical Assistance for Those That Need It
If a medical condition or an injury has left you or a loved one bedridden, it can be really difficult making it to the doctor, let alone to their friend or family’s home.
Calling transportation that can pick you up outside of your house may not be enough they can’t even get out of bed. But with door-through-door services, they can help the elderly, frail, and injured patients get to where they need to go conveniently and safely.
Even if you can’t even get out of bed (stretcher patients), a trusted door-through-door service is fully equipped with what they need to transport stretcher patients.
For those that have lesser injuries but still have trouble getting out the door, it’s no problem with door-through-door transportation. Having someone who can help push a wheelchair or simply offer a helping hand can be a huge help to those who need it.
Build a Stronger Relationship With Patients
Drivers that consistently help elderly patients begin to grow a relationship with them. But this can be taken to the next level when they help their patients out of their personal space.
It takes trust to allow someone into their home and even their bedroom to help them. This extra step allows more time to build a strong relationship between the door-through-door transportation worker and the patient. This can help make the process more comfortable.
It’s always best to use a door-through-door transportation service with people you trust, rather than a nameless face that they see in taxis or public transportation.
Patients Don’t Feel Trapped in Their Homes
Declining mobility is unfortunately a natural process in life. As this happens, elderly people tend to begin feeling trapped in their own homes. They might not even be able to get around their house like they used to. Going down the stairs or simply going to the store to get groceries can be a struggle.
Door-through-door transportation services allow everyone, no matter what their disability or age is, to get out of the house and feel free.
This can be especially important for people who live in rural areas that don’t have easy access to public transportation. Giving easy-to-access senior transportation can be a life-changing solution for many people.
Safety
Even if public transportation is available where your beloved senior citizen lives, they might not know how to use it on their own. Public transportation is not always fit for the elderly (especially those that are handicapped).
The general speed and turbulence that happens on buses and subways can be very dangerous for them. An accident can just be waiting to happen.
With door-to-door transportation, they can safely get in and out of their homes and destinations. Trained staff will pay attention to every move they make, ensuring their safety.
Respite for Family and Loved Ones
Most family members and loved ones are happy to offer their help to escort elderly citizens to their daily activities. However, it can be stressful adding this responsibility on top of their already busy schedules.
Using a trusted transportation service can help relieve the duties of family members, giving everyone extra time and energy for what they need to do. They can be confident that their loved ones are being taken care of.
Getting to the Doctor
As people age, getting to scheduled doctor appointments becomes more and more important. But it can be difficult to secure transportation for seniors, depending on where they live. Scheduling appointments based on what works for everyone’s schedules can be a burden.
When you use a transportation service, you don’t need to be so picky about when to schedule doctor’s appointments. Elderly citizens can be free to use senior-assisted transportation to get where they need to go to the doctor.
Emotional Health and Peace of Mind
Ride-sharing services not only allow seniors to take part in their normal daily activities, but their families can have peace of mind knowing that they are in trusted hands.
Families can trust that they are not only safe but happily enjoying the freedom of their favorite hobbies and full social life. They will also be happy knowing that their elderly loved ones don’t have to drive themselves to other places.
Allowing them to be happier and healthier without adding unnecessary stress to loved ones’ lives is something you can’t put a price on.
Transport Your Loved Ones Safely and Affordably
That’s everything you need to know about the benefits of door-through-door transportation. It can be a life-changing solution for elderly patients that have trouble getting in and out of their homes.
If you’re ready to book a service that gets your loved ones where they need to go, contact us today!