The Solution is the Same Everywere.

I was reading an article on Accessible/Mobility transport that was written about the service needs in England. I believe that what Steven says about the service that is needed and why is very relevant for people in all areas. So I thought I'd share it with you.
Tell me what you think...

How Mobility Transport Can
Benefit the Elderly and People
With Mobility Issues


Author: bloom media

If you need to transport people with mobility issues then regular cars or buses may not be up to the job. Even with mobility conversions and appropriate modifications, some traditional vehicles just don’t have the room to accommodate people comfortably and safely. Community mobility transport can change the lives of people in the local area by giving them the freedom to travel.

Whether you work for a local authority, a care home, a charity or the NHS, the people you support could benefit substantially from community transport.

Day trips

Having a trip out into the country side, to the seaside or even to the local shopping area can give the elderly or people with mobility issues a real boost. Being in different surroundings and interacting with others can relieve boredom, increase exercise and be an all round enjoyable experience. A trip to the local town centre for elderly people for example can allow them to enjoy the freedom of shopping and eating out without the worry of transporting themselves to and from the location. If people in the community are housebound then being so restricted can sometimes lead to feeling very isolated, particularly if they have no family nearby. Community mobility transport can potentially change these people’s lives as they will be able to experience freedom and benefit from new experiences.

Health visits

Going to the doctors or to hospital can be a traumatic experience as it is, but this can be multiplied if people have the added worry of not knowing how to get there. Transport in suitable vehicles with features such as ramps, swivel chairs and extra legroom can make the experience much less stressful. These vehicles are ideal for places such as care homes for the elderly where residents may need regular checkups and organising transport could be time consuming and the vehicles may not be suitable for all the residents.

Hobbies

Just because people are in a care home or have restricted mobility, it doesn’t mean that they necessarily want to give up their regular activities and hobbies. In fact, many people benefit from keeping an active interest in their hobbies and interacting with other people in the community. Many people, particularly the elderly, enjoy attending church regularly and staying in touch with friends there. Other hobbies such as bingo, the theatre, visiting the library and attending community groups can be made much easier with the use of mobility vehicles, particularly if there are many people in the same area that enjoy the same interests.

Visiting family

Families of the elderly or people with a disability may not always be able to visit their relatives, particularly if they don’t have their own transport. By having access to a mobility vehicle people can be safely transported to their families’ homes and relax for the day in a familiar environment. This also takes some of the pressure off the families as they will know that their loved ones will be safe to and from their journey to their home.

Mobility vehicles can enhance the lives of the elderly and people with restricted mobility so they are definitely worth considering if you look after people in your community.

About the Author:

Steven Holmes

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/how-mobility-transport-can-benefit-the-elderly-and-people-with-mobility-issues-758149.html

Thank Steven, I could't have said it better myself

Easi-Cab has 6 Accessible vehicles working in the South Dublin and East Wicklow Area to help People with mobility challenges get where they want to go. Just get in touch

DID THIS EVER COME IN TO OPERATION?

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN DUBLIN

NOW MADE EASIER.

Dublin bus has introduced a new scheme called Travel Assist whereby a trained assistant will call to a persons home and accompany them on Dublin bus, Luas and Dart services. The project aims to promote independent use of public transport. It is intended to focus on people who require information and build their confidence about using public transport. The assistants are there to show customers how accessible public transport is.

Dublin bus says that having addressed the infrastructural issues with regard to accessibility- ramps, colour contrasting poles and audio visual bus pilot, this initiative can complete the circle by showing people how these features make public transport more accessible to them.

Who can avail of the scheme? >
The scheme is available to those over 18 years of age who feel that they require assistance in the use of public transport.

How will Dublin bus provide the service?

By employing and training two travel assistants it expects to be able to provide this service on a Monday to Friday basis.

This article was published in the Autumn of 2006 and we are wondering did it ever happen?

We have never heard about it.Does anybody use it?

Are they spoofing?

My personal opinion on it is that it's a great scheme that they've devised and it will make life more intresting to people if they are able to travel further. It is great for confidence building while using public transport.It would make the elderly feel safer and open up a whole new world to people. I need extra help on public transport as I am disabled and use a wheelchair or scooter. However I would not need to avail of this service as I already have a carer.