Transportation plays a critical role at any stage of life, allowing us to stay active in community activities, visit family and friends and most importantly attend schedule appointment with your doctor.  Although losing the ability to drive can be challenging for seniors, it does not mean your mobility and independence must end. Thankfully, transportation services have evolved significantly, offering older adults various affordable ways to maintain independence, connection and quality of life. These options range from traditional public transit to modern ride-sharing services, providing seniors with a wide choice for getting around without needing to drive themselves.

Exploring Alternative Transportation Options

Let’s review some efficient transportation modes suitable for seniors.

Embracing Public Transportation

Many seniors rely on public transportation since it is inexpensive and convenient. The robust transit networks in the city and surrounding areas make it easy for older adults to navigate urban landscapes without needing a car. From light-rail systems to accessible buses, public transit offers convenience and reliability for seniors.

Power of Ride-Sharing Services

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, are an excellent option for seniors who prefer the convenience of door-to-door service. With a simple tap on their smartphone, seniors can request a ride and be on their way in minutes. These services offer flexibility and convenience, allowing older adults to maintain their independence without the hassle of driving a car.

Navigating Volunteer Driver Programs

Volunteer driver programs become vital for seniors who require transportation aid in areas lacking public transit options. These initiatives depend on committed volunteers who provide door-to-door service. Though their availability may fluctuate, volunteer driver programs serve as a lifeline for seniors without conventional transportation choices.

Utilizing Senior Living Transportation Services

For seniors residing in retirement communities or assisted living facilities, transportation services are often included as part of their amenities. These services give seniors access to essential medical appointments and general shopping. This can ensure that the seniors can maintain their independence and quality of life. While scheduling may be required, senior living transportation services offer peace of mind for older adults and their families.

Accessing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Seniors with medical needs can benefit from non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) programs. These provide senior transportation assistance for medical appointments and other healthcare-related services. Programs such as TRU PACE, available to Medicaid beneficiaries, ensure seniors can access the care they need without relying on a personal vehicle. While availability may vary by location, other NEMT programs such as MedRide in Colorado play a vital role in supporting seniors’ health and well-being.  Additional options for those needing special assistance through your local AAA program or contacting Via in the Denver area.  Transportation is not typically covered by Medicare Part A & B.

Healthcare Clinics Providing Transportation for Seniors

Caregivers often take on additional responsibility for the mobility of their loved ones while driving them to their medical appointments, activities, and other locations.  This can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if they have their own family or job, there are mobility issues or are in need of transfer assistance.  For seniors requiring additional support with transportation, professional healthcare clinics offer personalized transportation assistance. Caregivers provide door-to-door help, ensuring seniors can safely navigate and access essential services. These services offer practical support and give the seniors companionship and social interaction during their outings.

While giving up the keys to a car may seem daunting, seniors have many transportation options available to them. With options ranging from public transportation to ride-sharing services and volunteer driver programs, older adults can stay independent and connected to their communities. By exploring these alternative transportation options, seniors can continue leading active and fulfilling lives without needing a car. If you are looking for reliable transportation assistance for your senior or loved one, TRU PACE may be able to help you and your loved one. Contact us to learn more.

 

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Caring for someone with dementia can be a challenging journey filled with ups and downs. Whether you’re a family member, friend, or professional caregiver, you must have the right knowledge to provide the best possible care for your loved one.

Read on to explore practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the complexities of dementia care with confidence and compassion.

Educate Yourself

The first step in caring for someone with dementia is to educate yourself about the condition. Take the time to learn about the different types of dementia, their symptoms, and how they progress over time. Understanding the challenges your loved one faces can help you anticipate their needs and provide more effective support.

Establish Routine and Structure

People with dementia often feel more secure and comfortable with a predictable routine. Establishing a daily schedule can help reduce confusion and anxiety, making it easier for your loved one to navigate their day-to-day life. Try to stick to consistent meal times, bedtime routines, and daily activities to provide a sense of stability.

Create a Safe Environment

Safety is important when caring for someone with dementia. Take steps to remove any potential hazards from the home, such as sharp objects, tripping hazards, or toxic substances. Install grab bars in the bathroom, secure rugs and carpets, and consider using locks or alarms on doors and windows to prevent wandering.

Communicate Effectively

Communication can be challenging for people with dementia, but there are strategies you can use to facilitate meaningful interactions. Speak slowly, use simple language, and avoid asking open-ended questions that can be confusing. Be patient and attentive, and always listen to your loved one’s feelings and concerns.

Practice Empathy and Compassion

Dementia care requires a great deal of patience and empathy. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand the world from their perspective. Show compassion and understanding, even when behaviors become challenging or frustrating. Remember that your loved one is doing their best in a difficult situation.

Seek Support

Assisting someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically taxing, so it’s essential to seek support when you need it. Reach out to family and friends for help, join a support group for caregivers, or consider hiring professional respite care to give yourself a break when necessary.

Stay Flexible and Adapt

Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning that your loved one’s needs will likely change over time. Stay flexible and be prepared to adapt your caregiving approach as their condition evolves. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new strategies and interventions to meet their changing needs effectively.

Take Care of Yourself

Don’t forget to prioritize your health and well-being as a caregiver. Make time for self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself to be the best caregiver possible for your loved one.

Are you looking for comprehensive care and support for your loved one with dementia? At TRU PACE, we provide personalized care for older adults with complex medical needs, including dementia. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you and your family on this journey.

When it is time to seek out healthcare assistance for yourself or an older adult, there are many options.  Creating a plan can be a confusing and daunting task as you try to piece together services to meet all of your needs.  For family caregivers, this can be especially stressful while also balancing the needs of work and family.  Many caregivers find that care coordination for their parents can be a full-time job.

 

 

PACE, which stands for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, is an option that removes the burden of care coordination for older adults and their families.   PACE is an innovative model of healthcare providing wrap-around services and coordinated care all in one place, alleviating stress on the older adult and their family.  PACE provides the flexibility needed to meet the health care needs of older adults to support them living successfully in the community.

A unique approach for every person

Every individual who receives care and services through PACE has a unique plan of care developed by an interdisciplinary team including providers, nurses, social workers, therapists, dietitians, homecare, transportation specialists, and more. The team works with each PACE participant to create an individualized plan that cares for the whole person, including their medical, social, and mental health needs.

PACE is more than a list of services; PACE is a complete solution

PACE offers a day center, where participants can receive medical care, rehab therapies, meals and socialization.  The PACE Center serves as the central hub of all services, including scheduling and transportation to and from all appointments.  PACE’s comprehensive services and care coordination can be an invaluable solution for the older adult and their caregivers who are balancing the needs of family and work.

 

If you think PACE may be a solution for you, please call TRU PACE at 303-665-0115.

“You should see this! It looks like a sunset!” Abby lightly guides Cartier’s hand on a sheet of mixed media paper. A few at the table smile a little – Cartier is blind, so he can’t see it – but he can sure feel what is happening beneath his hand and in the room around him, alive with music and chatter.

Purple Art is a Boulder, Colorado based creative art program for seniors of all abilities. Abby Sivy and Cindy Parker have been leading an expressive art class at Tru PACE for five years and we look forward every Monday to faces lighting up when we walk into the room to start a painting session. 

According to a Journal of Aging Studies study, there are six features of successful aging: a sense of purpose, interactions with others, personal growth, self-acceptance, autonomy, and health. 

The findings indicate that “creative activity contributes to successful aging by fostering a sense of competence, purpose, and growth. Artistic creativity also facilitates successful aging by encouraging the development of problem-solving skills, motivation, and perceptions that translate to practical creativity in the way these individuals manage their everyday lives.” 

Purple Art’s magic lies in the unique approach that we bring to each session. There is no right or wrong. No representation. Just the joy of moving color around the page, using a paintbrush, fingers, sponge brushes, whatever feels right. It does not take long for the inhibitions to melt away and the play to take over. Coloring within the lines is not allowed! The goal is to make a mess and have fun.

Artists look forward eagerly to Mondays and some organize their PACE days around the class. 

We often bring images from famous artists and paint “in their style” or provide pictures to inspire, or big bunches of wildflowers (“you brought us the mountains!”) Some participants have painted in the past and have renewed the practice with enthusiasm. Others just paint, paint, paint. It’s so heart warming to see the support and encouragement that the participants give each other.

We instituted an “Artist of the Month” day and have installed a gallery of paintings on a long hall. On Artist of the Month day, we all go out into the hallway, walkers, wheelchairs, staff, and see who is the proud Artist! We’ve seen tears of excitement and so many congratulations as we read the statement on the wall about the person who “won” this month.

 

Our allies are the activity professionals and the care staff. They share in the excitement of the session, help with materials and set up and often sit with a participant who may have mobility or other issues to help guide them. 

People of all ages need validation and a sense of belonging. PACE is one of the excellent organizations we work with that recognizes that creative programming is a crucial component of care. 

There is beautiful reciprocity in working with a different generation. This connection is deep in our work: we learn tremendous lessons from PACE participants in each session and take a gem with us every time we leave. And we know that we leave gems in the hearts and minds of our artists.

 

By: Cindy Parker

Website: https://www.purpleart.org/

Instagram: @bohemiaboulder

Email: bohemiaboulder@gmail.com