by Rex Ledesma
When a senior needs to see a doctor, many factors come into play to ensure they can make their appointment. The challenges often go beyond just basic health care and can significantly impact their overall well-being.
Transportation Challenges: Getting to medical appointments can be a major hurdle. For example, studies show that about 3.6 million Americans miss or delay medical care each year due to transportation issues (American Hospital Association AHA). This difficulty can sometimes lead seniors to skip appointments or avoid getting necessary medications.
Impact of Limited Mobility: If a senior struggles with mobility or doesn’t have reliable transportation, they might use this as a reason to avoid seeing their doctor. In fact, over 40% of seniors who have difficulty getting around report missing appointments as a result (Transportation Research Board TRB). This can be particularly problematic for those with chronic conditions that require regular monitoring.
Cognitive Impairments: For seniors with undiagnosed dementia or cognitive impairments, managing daily activities, including attending medical appointments, can be especially challenging. Many seniors with dementia may struggle with navigation and maintaining schedules, which can lead to neglecting essential health care needs.
Psychological Effects: The ability to “get out into the world” is crucial for maintaining mental health. When seniors lose their independence and are unable to engage in regular activities, they are at a higher risk of depression. Studies have found that social isolation and lack of mobility can significantly contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression among older adults.
Addressing these issues is vital for improving the overall quality of life for seniors. Reliable transportation, support for cognitive impairments, and opportunities for social engagement can help ensure that they remain connected to their health care providers and maintain their well-being.
There are several solutions available to address transportation needs for seniors, each with its own advantages depending on the individual’s circumstances. Here are some effective options:
- Paratransit services
- Senior transportation programs
- Ride-sharing services
- Public transportation with assistance
- Medical transportation services
- Family and friends
- Ride-hailing services with senior support
Each of these solutions can be tailored to fit different needs and circumstances, ensuring that seniors have access to reliable and supportive transportation options. Keep in mind there is no “one size fits all” solution. There may be a need to use different resources to make the appointments, or social gatherings, as well as providing a resource so the senior may run their own errands. Other considerations to think about are weather as well as safety from crime. Lastly, resource needs may change if the senior has additional complications. For example, if the senior has dementia, their transportation needs should be adjusted according to the progression of the dementia.
