A plan to look into transportation for medical appointment or social outings could be good news for local seniors.
After hearing there is a need in the community for seniors transportation for medical appointments at its May 28 meeting, town council recommended administration develop a program for its approval in September.
The real question is what level of services should be made available. Two options are up for investigation: one for transportation for medical appointments only and a second possibility that would include trips for social reasons in response to concerns over isolation.
At a minimum, a transportation program should cover medical purposes.
Given current options available, a trip to the city for a medical appointment can be difficult and pricey for some seniors.
Taking a taxi can cost over $100. The High River Handibus costs less at $25 per hour – but, this still adds up depending on how long the trip takes. The Greyhound bus is cheaper, but a person has to make their way from the station downtown to the location of their appointment.
The other remaining option is to rely on family, friends or the kindness of an FCSS volunteer driver.
While these options may work for some, there will be others who’ll find themselves with a medical appointment in the city and no way to get there. A program that addresses this necessity could make a big difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
Ultimately, the necessity of transportation services will only get larger as the Town continues to grow. And, at some point this may go beyond the needs of seniors.
For now, a program that helps meet seniors’ transportation needs could go a long way to improving the lives of many residents in town.
Relay for Life
Walking for 12 hours through the night is nothing compared to what cancer patients endure. For those involved in the June 8 Relay for Life, hopefully it will make a difference in the fight against cancer.
As people make their way around the track at Highwood high school starting at 7 p.m, they’ll be celebrating life and inspiring hope in their fellow participants and the community at large.
Publisher: Nancy Middleton Proprietor and published by Sun Media Corporation - A Quebecor Media Company at 618 Centre Street South, High River, Alberta, Canada T1V 1E9
