As their ability to drive declines, loved ones begin to lose their sense of self. This loss feels particularly personal because it represents a loss of control. Feelings of frustration and anxiety also creep up as they struggle to seek reliable transportation. They may also feel like a burden to society and may miss out on social interactions due to their newfound limitations.
Fortunately, your loved ones don’t have to keep feeling this way. In Dauphin, AL, senior assisted living communities have dependable transportation services to get you or your loved ones where they need to be. Here are some more advantages of this service.
A Sense of Safety
Feelings of anxiety and nervousness are common if you or your loved ones have recently been unable to drive due to deteriorating health, mobility issues or loss of hearing or vision. At such a time, being on the road is dangerous for everyone involved.
Safety is paramount when you or your loved ones look for a trustworthy alternative. Many senior communities provide their residents with transportation options to alleviate this concern. Their roster of dependable drivers and high-quality services ensure that your loved one has a safe and secure ride every time.
This service may also include a variety of value-added features and special equipment, such as wheelchairs and handicapped seating.
Positive Impact on Quality of Life
Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for improving your quality of life in your golden years. The sudden inability to drive can deprive you or a loved one of this joy, causing them to become withdrawn, depressed and lonely.
Access to transportation can help them maintain an active lifestyle, restore emotional stability and bring about positive behavioral changes. Rather than ignoring or avoiding activities that require transportation, you can look forward to getting more out of your lives, whether it’s attending a doctor’s appointment, catching up with friends or shopping at the mall.
Relief for Family Members
The abrupt loss of driving ability is not only hard for senior members of the community, but also for their family members. Even if they have your best interests at heart, family members may find it increasingly difficult to balance the numerous tasks associated with caring for a loved one with their own lives and jobs.
Family members may not always be able to provide or arrange transportation, resulting in painful feelings for both parties involved. Transportation services in senior assisted living can make a world of difference by being there whenever the need arises, while also alleviating feelings of guilt harbored by family members.
Encourages Independence
Being an active and self-sufficient member of the community and losing that freedom one day is bound to be difficult for anyone. Access to safe, dependable, and efficient transportation can help you reclaim that independence.
You can get back on track with your daily activities and boost your mental health as a result. What’s more, you or your loved ones no longer have to worry about car maintenance, gas filling or other ad hoc responsibilities associated with owning a personal vehicle.
The best part is that these transportation services are often included in the cost of senior assisted living, making it a dependable, cost-effective option to consider.