Most adults equate mobility with the ability to drive. To have this option taken away can result in dramatic lifestyle changes, especially for frail seniors who are unable to use public transportation without assistance. While the Tri-City area does have a low-cost paratransit service, many seniors do not use it because they are either afraid of traveling alone or because they need an escort to help them get in and out of the vehicles.

Since 2004, the VIP Rides Program at LIFE ElderCare has been addressing this need by providing travel escort assistance to paratransit riders by fully screened and trained volunteers. The volunteers may also use their own vehicle to drive ambulatory seniors or disabled individuals who require door-through-door service. There are currently 426 frail Tri-City seniors receiving ride assistance that is enabled by the generous contribution of 93 volunteers. During the past few months, however, a dramatic increase in the requests for assistance has put a strain on the current volunteer base.

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.

An increasing number of seniors are being left without transportation because of job losses and relocation, as well as problems within the family that require them to move out and live alone in an apartment. “Our program is often a life saver for elderly residents who are new to the area,“ says Lori Vogel, VIP Rides Coordinator. “People reach out to us because they simply have no other way to get to doctor appointments or to buy food.”

The program is financially supported by Measure B Gap funds but this funding only covers administrative costs and gasoline reimbursement, it does not cover payment to escorts or drivers. In order to fully utilize the funding, the VIP Rides Program must continuously recruit volunteers who can donate a minimum of two to three hours each month.

After assisting her father for many years before he passed away, Linda was looking for a volunteer opportunity where her experience could be used to help other frail, elderly people live independently in their own homes. For someone with a deep understanding of the challenges of aging, the VIP Rides Program was the perfect fit. During the past two years, Linda’s compassion, humor and flexibility have made her a popular driver with seniors in the Tri-City area who count on her to get them to medical appointments and to help them with shopping.

What makes the program enjoyable for Linda is the wonderful spirit and tenacity she sees in older people. Despite the fact that most of them live alone and struggle with day-to-day hardships, they still remain cheerful, open and friendly. “Helping people through the VIP Rides Program has made me aware of the importance of maintaining good health and a good attitude as I age,” says Linda, “I am currently taking a yoga class at the senior center with a instructor who is 87 years old!”

The VIP Rides Program currently has a ratio of one volunteer for every four requests. During the past 10 weeks, ten volunteers alone have responded to 113 requests for help. More volunteers are desperately needed. To learn about how you can assist a frail senior in need, call VIP Rides Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, Tammy Duran at 510-574-2086 or sign up online at lifeeldercare.org. The volunteers who make this service possible not only help their community, they also enrich their own lives through a commitment to healthy aging and a belief in the ability of the community itself to become the best long-term care system.