Mobility is often a challenge for seniors and even other sick individuals, particularly when no family member is available to take them to a doctor’s appointment or even for shopping and/or a community event. There is a local transportation service Wheels for the Wise available that meets the mobility challenge.
Below is an article about Wheels for the Wise.
“Facing Mobility Challenges Ahead
Author: Jana Mitchell [Owner & CEO of Wheels for the Wise Inc]
Article published: in the Glebe Community newspaper ‘Glebe Report.’
With the onset of cold weather and winter storms soon to be a reality, senior citizens can realistically anticipate some increase in their sense of isolation, and to varying degrees, a loss of independence. This is especially so for those living with special mobility needs in ottawa. With this in mind it is important to start planning a safe and reliable mode of transportation, in order to be able to attend medical appointments and social outings and to run errands. Having full knowledge of the means of transportation available, and how they might suit each individual’s specific needs, is of the utmost importance. Particularly for the loved ones and caregivers of people suffering from any form of alzheimer’s or dementia, early preparation is paramount.
So what are your options?
One mode of transportation offered by the city is Para Transpo. Unfortunately due to strained resources resulting from a rapid increase in demand, this service cannot give you an exact time when they will arrive to pick you up. This can pose a number of problems when it comes to attending medical appointments, such as arriving late or missing the appointment completely. Another consideration when relying on Para Transpo, especially for those suffering from dementia or requiring physical assistance, is that it is a door-to-door service. Upon arrival at the specified destination, you or your loved one will be left alone.
Another method of transportation offered by the city of ottawa is OC Transpo. Although convenient for many, this option can pose numerous problems for people with special mobility needs. One example of this is commuting to and from the nearest bus stop, a challenge to say the least in the winter months. Obstacles include icy stairs, snow banks, lack of shelters at the bus stop and snow and ice on the sidewalks. Lastly, buses often run behind schedule due to weather conditions, again posing problems for those who have to get to scheduled medical appointments. Like the Para Transpo option, you or your
loved one will be left alone upon arrival at your bus stop.
Although some organizations do provide volunteer driver services, the demand often outstrips capacity. The reality is that many individuals have few options available outside the two listed above, or door-to-door taxis.
Given the scarcity of appropriate transportation and the ever-increasing need, one response has emerged in the form of an organization called Wheels for the Wise. The service specializes in providing safe and reliable chauffeured accompaniment for seniors and those with special mobility needs, going to and from their weekly responsibilities, appointments and errands. The chauffeur companions at Wheels for the Wise are retired professionals who offer clients physical and emotional assistance for the entire duration of the outing. They are trained in CPR and First-aid and are A.E.D. (Automated External Defibrilator) certified. They have been cleared by an ottawa Police service records check
for working with vulnerable individuals, and they hold a clean drivers abstract issued by the ministry of Transportation.
The service that Wheels for the Wise offers is much more than just getting a drive. it’s about making a friend: preventing isolation, prolonging independence and getting people with special mobility needs where they have to go.
They welcome and accommodate people suffering from alzheimer’s or dementia. They also offer the option of obtaining an audio recording of medical appointments, so that clients and their ‘power of attorney’ appointees will never again wonder what exactly the doctor said during a medical appointment.
The organization is also committed to improving the long-term transportation options for seniors and people with special mobility needs in ottawa. As a result, I am one of the service providers invited to participate in the round table discussions being held by the Council on aging on November 23, 2011.
These age Friendly Focus Groups have been set up as a continuation of the recent seniors summit held October 3, 2011 at City Hall. The information and recommendations gathered during these round table discussions will be used to formulate an older adult plan that will go before council next year. As founder and CEO of Wheels for the Wise, I will address the cost of insurance for small businesses to operate, particularly commercial auto insurance. This has an impact on the fees charged to clients.
Cognizant of the time it will take to implement recommendations to council, Wheels for the Wise has launched a new initiative: a donation and sponsorship program that allows businesses and individuals to sponsor someone living with special mobility needs who lacks sufficient income to access services. I hear stories on a daily basis that are heartbreaking and I feel that we have to do our part to prevent isolation and prolong independence for as many people as possible. Wheels for the Wise allocates all donated funds based on a list of recipients who are waiting to use their services and who have been screened through an application process to confirm their financial need and eligibility.
For more information about the services or to find out how you or your organization can support this new initiative in providing mobility and a friend to someone truly in need, call 613-709-Wise (9473) or visit www.wheelsforthewise.com.
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About the author:
Ms. Jana Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Public Relations (BPR) and is the owner and CEO of Wheels for the Wise Inc. She can be reached at 613-709-Wise (9473), jana[AT]wheelsforthewise.com and www.wheelsforthewise.com“