Senior Transportation Solutions: A Boon for Assisted Elderly Living

People face several mental health challenges when confined to their homes. Even those in well-appointed spaces are more likely to face depression and anxiety. They're also more prone to bad sleep and symptoms of PTSD.

Senior transportation in assisted living communities can stave off these impacts. Read on to learn more about transportation for elderly residents and why this is something to prioritize in a senior living community.

The Basics of Senior Transportation Services

The best-assisted living communities in Wisconsin offer senior transportation services. These services allow residents to get around the local area safely and easily.

Transportation is frequently offered for outings related to calendar events. Because senior communities thrive on connection and new experiences, there are scheduled events like outings to restaurants and shopping centers.

In these instances, the community will provide accessible buses and large vans that take several residents from Point A to Point B. Everyone travels together at the appointed time. They have the chance to explore, shop, dine, and have new experiences.

However, senior living transportation also offers transit to individuals and small groups around the area.

Scheduled transportation lets residents book rides to doctor's appointments and other medical facilities. This lifts the burden on families of needing to come to the community and drive their loved ones to every minor check-up.

It's fast, efficient, and convenient for everyone!

Why Is Local Senior Transport Necessary?

AARP statistics show that people give up their licenses at around 75 years old.

Many seniors are reluctant to do this, but it's important for the continued safety of everyone else on the road as well as the senior. Eyesight and hearing loss are big issues that could cause problems for older adults while driving, and coordination-related issues can cause serious safety risks.

This reluctance stems back to seniors not wanting to slow down despite their age. This makes sense - fun and exciting outings provide something to look forward to!

When seniors enter assisted living communities, they usually do so because they need help with everyday tasks. Driving is often out of the question, so senior transportation services make it possible for them to get out and do things.

Additionally, getting out to new places and wandering around boosts physical activity. Seniors can stay flexible and mobile for a longer time.

Investing in a community with elderly transportation assistance makes it possible for your loved one to live life to the fullest. They won't need to sit in their well-appointed apartments all the time and isolate themselves. They can take advantage of scheduled events and experience a high quality of life.

Accessibility

Senior transportation is tailor-made for accessibility. All Lakehouse Fond du Lac vehicles are made with the same wide doorways as our beautiful apartment units. This makes it easy for seniors with mobility issues to get into the van or bus with a walker.

Vans and buses also have ample storage space for mobility objects and medical devices.

These vehicles also can seat several people in wheelchairs. Everyone will be able to safely get to their destination without needing to move into a normal seat and back again.

Assisting Families With Transportation

No matter how much they love their elderly family members, contending with transportation can be a challenge for families. They often don't have accessible vehicles that can accommodate someone in a wheelchair or someone who's using a walker.

Trading in an old vehicle is frequently impractical and expensive. Still, many people find themselves needing to do this so they can get their senior loved ones to the doctor or other more fun locations.

It also can be difficult for people to clear their schedule every time their parent or grandparent has a medical appointment. These appointments are extremely common for those in need of an assisted living community since residents frequently have memory and mobility issues.

If families have to work, this can cause financial and time-related challenges.

Safe travel services for seniors can provide peace of mind.

Helping Seniors Feel Less Isolated

Social isolation is one of the worst problems for seniors. About a quarter of adults aged 65+ qualify as socially isolated individuals. 43% of people over 60 cite themselves as feeling routinely lonely.

The same study that found these figures makes note of some impacts that isolation has on people. It gives people a 50% higher risk of developing dementia, a 68% increased risk of being hospitalized, and a higher likelihood of coronary issues and strokes.

This isn't even to mention the mental health issues that come with isolation!

While spending time with others in an assisted living community helps, getting out and doing things with friends helps more. Seniors who take advantage of regular transportation get changes of scenery and new, fulfilling experiences with friends.

Boosting Quality of Life

Seniors who can get around also get to interact with more people regularly. This includes younger people. Waiters, museum guides, lecturers, store owners, and others at destinations expand the senior's social circle, even if it's just for one outing.

This creates a sense of fulfillment in newness. It helps older adults feel like they're making an impact on others in Wisconsin communities by interacting with others. This sense of fulfillment translates to purpose, which makes seniors experience an increased sense of social wellness.

A 2023 public health study confirmed that transportation services boost quality of life. This isn't pure speculation - they need to retain their autonomy.

Most older adults shirk public transit because of accessibility, affordability, adaptability, and social acceptance. Senior living community transportation resolves these issues and keeps seniors feeling great.

Invest in Safe Travel for Seniors

Now that you know the ins and outs of senior transportation in assisted living communities, it's time to find a great place where your loved one has an easy time getting around.

Lakehouse Fond du Lac is committed to offering Wisconsin seniors transit to group outings and personal travel. Schedule a tour of our communities to learn what else we offer and why you can rely on us to keep your loved one happy and healthy!