Seniors who desperately need rides for medical treatment or food can get help through LIFE ElderCare.

July 24, 2012 by

Joan, an 86-year-old woman suffering from arthritis and diabetes, recently moved from her home in the Midwest to the Bay Area at the urging of her children. Once settled in, however, the children had to relocate to keep their jobs. She is now living on her own, unsteady on her feet, and unable to shop for food. Her children have invited her join them in their new home but Joan doesn’t feel strong enough to make another move. She recently signed up for VIP Rides because she had no way to get to the grocery store.

Carol, a 71-year-old single woman, started using VIP Rides in April 2010 to get to her physical therapy appointments. She was so pleased with the service that she requested a ride to her doctor for a mammogram. A malignant growth was found in one of her breasts that required surgery. The two VIP Rides volunteers that had been taking her to physical therapy offered to give her a ride to the hospital and back home after her surgery.

Without access to safe and affordable transportation, many older adults may experience isolation and a reduced quality of life. A 2004 study found that seniors age 65 and older who no longer drive make 15 percent fewer trips to the doctor, 59 percent fewer trips to shop or eat out, and 65 percent fewer trips to visit friends and family, than drivers of the same age.

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When Health Problems Restrict Mobility for Older Adults, VIP Rides Can Help.

February 7, 2012 by

Marlene, 71, heard about VIP Rides from her doctor two years ago while she was being treated for a back condition. He recommended the program when she told him that it was hard to get to appointments because she could no longer drive. Due to her back condition and minor strokes, and her husband’s vision loss, they had sold their cars. They had been using cabs to get around in Fremont but the cost was $40-$50 for each round trip.

She called Lori Vogel, VIP Rides Coordinator, and Lori was able to sign both of them up for the service over the phone. They use VIP Rides mostly for doctor appointments and light grocery shopping. “Every single volunteer driver has been so nice, friendly and helpful,” says Marlene. “We’re not used to asking for help from anyone for anything, we never have.”

Marlene’s husband Michael, 73, currently uses the bus to go to the bank and calls on their daughter and son-in-law to make larger grocery purchases. Michael was forced to retire two years ago from a long career in sales and marketing because he could no longer drive due to myopic degeneration. “The best thing about VIP Rides is that it’s personal and it works according to our specific needs,” he says. “We have never had a problem with the service, ever,” adds Marlene.

Marlene says she usually gives Lori a week’s notice but neither of them have been turned down because of short notice. “Lori has always been able to accommodate use, she’s super.”

They have lived in their Fremont home for 43 years, and feel reluctant to leave the area. “Our only entertainment now is being with our daughter and her family,” said Michael, “we used to have a big social life but all of our friends have moved away and we have no transportation.”

Marlene was a caregiver for her mother for 25 years and also made weekly visits to an aunt in an assisted living facility once a week. “I’m totally amazed by stories about people in their nineties who are getting along so well when we are only in our seventies and life is such a struggle,” said Michael. “Getting old comes up on you so quickly and the health problems are something you never expect; VIP Rides has been a lifesaver for us.”

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An increasing number the “near-elderly” (55-64) in the Tri-City area need our help.

February 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

At 58, Susan has no permanent home, no car, and no valuables other than her loving cat. She lives in a nearby motel where the manager gives her a good rate. She has been getting meals from Meals On Wheels since March 2009 and started using VIP Rides in April of last year.

In November of 2009 she had a stroke that has made her unsteady on her feet and has brought on chronic back pain. Social Security is threatening to cut off her medical benefits if she does not meet their criteria for the medically disabled.

Susan uses VIP Rides on a regular basis to get to the Fremont Food Bank, her doctor visits, and to do necessary errands. After she received notice that her medical coverage might be terminated, she called us to get a ride to her local clinic. Fortunately, a volunteer was available to help her on short notice. They both went to the clinic and the desk attendant told Susan not to fear anything yet, and made an appointment with her doctor for the following day. This brought much relief. After returning home, Susan offered the volunteer a glass of water and thanked her for being so kind. “Without VIP Rides” she said, “I would be stranded.”

Lori Vogel, VIP Rides Coordinator

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Kind and gentle, 90-year-old woman is a favorite with volunteers.

January 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Just signed up a new client. She is 90 years old, a retired teacher who lives on her own in a mobile home in Fremont. Because she has a speech impediment I went to her home to do the initial interview/assessment. Her name is Myrtle and she learned about VIP Rides from a friend that lives in the same mobile home who had used VIP Rides and was pleased with the service. Myrtle greeted me at the door with a hug and she led me into her kitchen where she had milk and cookies ready for me.

After explaining the program to her she was eager to set up her first appointment. She had a doctor’s appointment later in the week and was concerned that she might not have a ride. I assured her that a volunteer would be available for the appointment. After her first ride, Myrtle was delighted with the service and set up two more appointments. So far, every volunteer that has helped Myrtle would like to do so again. Her kind and gentle ways are a gift.

Lori Vogel
VIP Rides Coordinator
510-574-2096

 

Filed Under: Positive Aging, Senior Transportation, VIP Rides, Volunteer Opportunities Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With VIP Rides, an active, 82-year-old woman now feels safe and confident about getting out in the community again.

January 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I recently got a call from a man who was looking for a way to help his mom get to her monthly appointments. After researching transportation options on the Internet, he thought VIP Rides sounded like a good choice. I explained the program to him and he said it was just what his mom needed. I then called his mom, Claire, to tell her about the service. Because she has a slight hearing problem we decided to meet at her Fremont home where she has lived for over 40 years and raised both her children.

While her children now live out of the area, she enjoys good communication with them and finds that they are happy to help her find the resources she needs to continue living independently in her own home. Her limitations are similar to many women her age, she can no longer drive and finds it difficult to do the simple things she once enjoyed.

After I explained the program to her she didn’t hesitate to get started. Her first adventure was a trip to the grocery store. She was so comfortable with the volunteer that after getting home she called and said VIP Rides was just like having a friend take her.

In addition to regular trips to do her shopping, she has also scheduled twice a week physical therapy appointments. “I now feel safe and and confident about getting out to do I what I need to do,” she says. “I attribute this to to the VIP Rides program.”

Lori Vogel
VIP Rides Coordinator
510-574-2096

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VIP Rides volunteers help ease a client’s fears about surgery.

November 8, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Carol, a 71-year-old single woman, started using VIP Rides in April 2010 to get to her physical therapy appointments. She was so pleased with the service that she asked if she could get a ride to a mammogram appointment. It had been quite a few years since her last one. A VIP Rides volunteer that had helped her before drove her to the appointment.

She unfortunately received news of a malignant growth in one of her breasts and will need surgery. Two volunteers that have been taking Carol to and from therapy for the past four months offered to take her to and from her surgery as she will have to be there at 6:45 in the morning and not return home until 5:00 pm. Carol was stunned that these two volunteers offered, as she had always felt more of a burden to them than a friend. She told me that her fears about the surgery were calmed by their gesture.

Both volunteers are great! One is a stay-at-home mom who heard about us through her church. She is an active member and enjoys helping others. She joined our program this year after Tammy Duran gave a presentation at the church she attends.

The other volunteer has been with me for 4 years. When she started she was slowing down her work schedule and fit us in when she could. She is now retired and helps me on a weekly basis. She has helped with nearly all my clients. Her compassion for others is endless.

Lori Vogel

VIP Rides Coordinator

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LIFE ElderCare’s VIP Rides enables a new kind of independence for frail, elderly seniors.

August 16, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Helen, 89, was reluctant to ask for help as she has been an independent woman for most of her life. Ten years ago she moved to Fremont from Ohio, at her son’s request. She had wanted to stay rooted in Ohio but the weather and her medical condition made it difficult to continue living on her own.

She called LIFE ElderCare’s VIP Rides because her worsening eyesight had made it impossible to shop and get to medical appointments. At first she was hesitant; after making her first VIP Rides request she called back later and wanted to cancel. I coached her into giving it a try as she needed to get to an important doctor appointment.

After completing her first ride she called and thanked me for the wonderful service. She appreciated the volunteer’s helpfulness and said that she felt like she had made a new friend by the end of the trip. Helen has booked two more rides and is eager to continue using this service as a safe and easy way to get around town.

VIP Rides is available at no charge to Tri-City residents, age 60 and older. The program is funded by an Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority Measure B Gap Grant.

Lori Vogel
VIP Rides Program Coordinator

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