How Senior Transportation Services Enhance Independent Living

There are over 30,000 senior living communities in the country. Not all of them provide the same level of care or services.

If you've got a loved one who would benefit from independent living for seniors, it's important to assess their unique needs. Different communities offer different perks. Some offer memory care, while others might offer in-house dining, beautiful outdoor spaces, or a vibrant activity calendar.

One of the things that many families overlook is senior transportation services. Whether your loved one has mobility issues or simply wants to enjoy their independence, senior mobility solutions are all about enhancing senior life quality.

In today's post, we'll explain some of the many benefits of senior transport in assisted living communities. Keep reading and you'll ensure your loved one has independence even as they enter this new phase of assisted living.

Safe Independence

Firstly, having in-house transportation at an assisted living community facilitates independence. Even the best communities can feel claustrophobic for some seniors. They must have the opportunity to get out and experience their surroundings.

At the same time, there are risks for seniors going out by themselves. If they've got memory or mobility issues, there's always the risk of wandering or falling. The last thing you want is for your loved one to have an injury during an outing.

Transportation services guarantee your loved one's safety. They'll be accompanied by a qualified driver wherever they go. If need be, a community staff member can accompany them as well.

Comfort and Convenience

One of the great benefits of transportation services in assisted living is that your loved one doesn't have to exit the community to find transportation. It makes getting out and about comfortable and convenient.

Many communities offer regularly scheduled transportation. Your loved one will have a daily opportunity to get where they need to go without having to arrange anything. If they have any special requests, they'll just need to let a staff member know and they'll be accommodated.

Getting Medical Care

Although assisted living communities have attentive in-house staff and access to nurses, there are no in-house medical professionals. If your loved one wants to see their GP or a specialist, they'll need to leave the community.

In-house transportation services make this simple and easy. Your loved one just needs to inform their caregivers when the appointments are the community will handle the rest. Most of the time, the community is acutely aware of when residents have appointments.

Getting regular medical attention is crucial as your loved one gets older. They need checkups to ensure no new conditions are developing and that known ones are being properly managed.

Running Errands Outside the Community

When you find the right community for your loved one, they'll never be left wanting for anything. That said, there are things from the outside world that they'll occasionally need access to.

It could be a trip to the bank to deal with financial matters or they may want to pick up some specific supplies the community doesn't have. It's important that residents can run errands outside the community as needed, which transportation services assist with.

Increased Physical Activity

Physical fitness is taken very seriously in an assisted living community. Seniors need around two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity a week to remain physically fit.

A community activity calendar will often feature things like Tai Chi, yoga, and walking to encourage residents to stay fit so they avoid injuries and illnesses. Not all of their physical activities need to occur within the confines of the community, however.

If they want to go explore different areas of the city, like local parks or even a senior fitness center, transportation services can facilitate this.

Increased Social Activity

Similarly, seniors need plenty of social activity to avoid feelings of isolation. Social isolation is a major issue among American seniors, with one-third of adults between 50-80 claiming to be socially isolated. Isolation leads to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Every effort is made to encourage socialization between residents within the community. At the same time, we understand that your loved one will want to see family and friends outside the community.

Transportation services free your loved one up to meet friends and family at various locations. It could be a picnic in the park, a coffee at a local cafe, or dinner at a loved one's house. Community transportation services will get residents to and from their social appointments with ease.

Improved Mental Health

Having that sense of freedom, both independently and socially, boosts senior mental health immeasurably. It's easy for seniors in certain communities to feel trapped by their surroundings. This should never be a consequence of community living, but when transportation isn't provided, it is.

Roughly 25% of people over 65 deal with some mental health concern. It's the community's job to understand these issues and do what's needed to manage them.

Part of that involves providing therapy and increasing socialization, but it also includes giving residents freedom and independence. Transportation services are an easy way that communities can improve residents' sense of freedom.

Peace of Mind for Families

Families of elderly people know how difficult aging can be. It's difficult for the person who's going through it. It's also tricky for family members who often have to base their schedules around their loved ones' needs.

If you're the person responsible for getting your loved one from point A to point B, you'll be relieved by transportation services. They'll give you peace of mind knowing your loved one is getting out and about safely. They'll also give you your free time back.

Find a Community That Offers Senior Transportation

These are a few of the biggest benefits of senior transportation in assisted living. If you're looking for the perfect community for your loved one, transportation services aren't something to overlook. It might seem like a minor amenity, but in practice, it's a game changer.

At Mission Common, we strive to provide our residents with freedom and independence. We do this in many ways, including transportation services. Contact us today to schedule a tour of our community and learn everything else that sets us apart from the competition.