For some seniors, one of the hardest parts of getting older is having to give up the car keys. Whether it’s due to problems with eyesight, or other problems that can get worse as we age, giving up the ability to drive is a difficult decision. Not only does the senior have to give up a part of their independence, they also have to figure out how to get where they need to go.
Imagine not being able to drive but still needing to get to medical appointments, dental exams, grocery stores, and other important destinations. And imagine not being able to hop in the car to get your hair cut or to pick up some new clothes for spring. While taking a bus is an option, not all seniors are able to safely get where they need to go via public transportation. For seniors who have trouble with steps or aren’t steady on their feet, buses can come with obstacles they don’t want to deal with.
But you can help today by applying to be a Volunteer Driver with East Side Elders! The volunteer transportation program allows seniors in the Dayton’s Bluff, Payne-Phalen, and Conway-Battle Creek areas of Saint Paul to get free rides to wherever they need to go in the metro area. They can enjoy time with a friendly volunteer and get where they need to go while feeling safe and secure. Volunteers can help as much or as little as they’d like – some help with just a few rides a month, while others help more frequently. We look forward to hearing from you!