Turning in your license and contending with mobility challenges are common parts of aging. Since recent Census results report that one in six Americans are over the age of 65, difficulty going out is an increasing problem for more people.
Luckily, this doesn't need to slow seniors down when they move to a great assisted living community.
Here, we'll discuss:
Read on to enhance your loved one's quality of life.
AARP cites 75 as the average age people stop driving. This makes sense since older adults experience:
Researchers at the National Library of Medicine found that turning in their license has several negative impacts on older adults:
This is because many seniors who lose their licenses are homebound. Even those who are not lose the autonomy of leaving whenever they choose.
Many families may believe that public transit will sufficiently get seniors who are in better shape from Point A to Point B. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Beyond a lack of a driver's license, there are several reasons that seniors struggle to get around:
Even older adults with accessible homes and vehicles may struggle to leave the house. They will require someone to drive them around in an accessible vehicle.
Caregivers will need to:
This is not always feasible, which creates the need for accessible senior travel services.
Senior transportation fosters independence and autonomy. Older adults will have more chances to get out. This can:
Seniors will also have more peace of mind when they know they can get out sometimes. They won't need to stew in cabin fever with no hope of relief.
When seniors have easy access to transportation services, they can leave the community walls with friends. Scheduled outings make socialization easier, which the Cleveland Clinic cites as important for a wide range of reasons:
When seniors leave their residential communities, they also have the chance to talk with new people. This provides a sense of purpose for many older adults.
The wide range of senior recreational activities in retirement communities opens residents up to new experiences.
Community members can enjoy off-site activities, including:
These scheduled outings give seniors something to look forward to. They provide a source of excitement and serve as a getaway from regularly scheduled routines.
Senior living communities also provide vans to transport residents to appointments.
Those with medical and dental needs can book these vans in advance. They can expect on-time, accessible transportation from their comfortable community apartments to necessary medical facilities.
Community members can ask compassionate care experts about getting to and from their appointments. They can book a ride in advance and know that they'll get from Point A to Point B. It's a great way for seniors to alleviate stress.
Finally, easy-to-access senior transportation means families won't need to worry about their loved ones getting around.
They won't need to take time off work to drive older adults to increasingly frequent medical appointments. They also won't need to drive them to grocery stores or social settings. The community's transportation makes that possible.
This is important because it prevents caregiver burnout. As a resident's loved one, you can:
Plus, you won't need to sit there worrying about seniors getting lost looking for a bus stop. You won't need to be concerned about whether your loved one's mobility aid can get into a rental car or a public transportation vehicle.
Ultimately, you'll have more physical freedom as well as enhanced peace of mind.
The best Sparta, IL senior living communities are committed to providing convenient elderly transportation options.
Addington Place of Sparta has a robust activity calendar. Many of the events take place outside of the senior living community. Scheduled outings give residents the time to go out and spend time together in exciting settings.
Buses and vans:
These vehicles are built for accessibility in several ways:
Seniors will be able to fit comfortably into vehicles and easily bring mobility aids and medical devices along.
While aging presents mobility challenges, senior transportation means a lower likelihood of isolation.
Now that you know how an assisted living community in Sparta, IL can enhance your loved one's lifestyle, it's time to begin seeking care the right way. Contact Addington Place of Sparta to learn more about our personalized care plans.