Mobility and transport services for elderly people

Find out more about mobility and transportation services for the older generation and why they can be so important for improving overall quality of life.

Mobility and transportation services for the older generation are crucial for helping maintain a sense of independence.

Here, we will take a look at why these services are so vital, and what options are on offer to help your loved one get around safely.

Why freedom to travel is so important for older people

These are just some of the things that mobility and transport services for elderly people can help to facilitate:

• Attending social events, such as family gatherings or meetups in the community
• Collecting shopping and visiting local services, such as a hairdresser
• Keeping up to date with medical and dental check-ups, or physiotherapy appointments

Mobility and transport services help older people carry out these actions with minimal risk of injury.

In many cases, such services can be a lifeline that enables older people to be active in a way that they otherwise couldn’t.

What mobility and transportation services for elderly people are available?

Here, we will take a look at some of the services and schemes your loved one could use to make getting around easier.

Mobility

Mobility-related resources include tools that your loved one could use to get around locally, such as:

• Walking sticks
• Walking frames
• Mobility scooters
• Powered wheelchairs

Basic versions of all these tools are available through the NHS. Once a doctor or occupational therapist has made a recommendation, the equipment will be provided by your loved one’s local authority. This arrangement also includes equipment adaption and maintenance up to a value of £1,000.

Alternatively, your loved one may wish to pick a private mobility equipment provider. This option affords a greater range of choice than the NHS, but will also require both initial and ongoing financial outlay.

Schemes such as Motability offer something of a halfway house. With this scheme, your loved one can use some or all of their Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover the cost of the equipment, but also get more choice over the equipment they acquire.

Transport for the older generation and disabled

Transportation resources include roadworthy vehicles that can help your loved one travel further afield.

These can be separated into two main groups:

• Resources that make driving easier
• Resources that support older people who no longer drive

In terms of the former, the government can provide a ‘Blue Badge‘ to any eligible older person. This would allow your loved one to park in disabled bays and many other advantageous places. The badge can even be used if another driver is transporting your loved one.

Other older generation transportation services include Motability. Motability also offers a service for cars. Using this service, your loved one could use their DLA to gain access to a vehicle that has been specially adapted to their needs.

If your loved one no longer feels comfortable driving, they may wish to use one of these options to help them get around:

• Discounted bus/rail travel
• Dial-a-ride

There are many options to help keep your loved one active and socially engaged. With a live-in care arrangement, your loved one’s dedicated team will be on hand to help them with transportation whenever needed.

Find out more about how live-in care can help your loved one stay active and socially engaged by calling on our friendly team.