MTA Mobility and Taxi

Access to transportation is key for older adults, as they try to go shopping, visit doctors, or even to visit family and friends.

Older adults can obtain discounted rides through the MTA Mobility/Paratransit and Taxi Access programs. MTA has lift-equipped vans which are available to take individuals shopping and to their doctor appointments. There is no additional assistance to help people into the building. Riders need to call to schedule trips in advance.

Applications are available from the MTA Mobility web site:

Mobility / Paratransit is a specialized, curb-to-curb service
for people with disabilities who are not able to ride fixed-route public
transportation, including lift-equipped buses. Mobility service is provided
within three-quarters of a mile of any fixed-route service in Baltimore City
and Baltimore & Anne Arundel counties. The term "fixed-route" refers to
Local Bus, Light Rail, or Metro Subway routes operated by the MTA. Mobility
service is not offered within three-quarters of a mile of Commuter Bus
or MARC Train routes.
Fare: The one-way cash fare on Mobility service is $1.85.

What other transportation services or programs are you using?

Supporting our Parents in the Community

Image via Wikipedia

Older adults want to live in the community, as close to friends and families, as long as possible.
Many companies and organizations are working together to support elders in maintaining their independence and active lifestyles in the community of their choice, often their homes of many years. As some elders become older and frailer, they need more support from friends and family to keep independent. Typical challenges include transportation, home repairs, companionship, and eventually, care with activities of daily living (eating, dressing, bathing, walking, etc.). Action In Maturity is a not-for-profit transportation provider in North Baltimore.

Local government agencies have a wealth of information for older adults and their families:

• Baltimore City – Commission on Aging and Retirement Education
• Department of Aging, Baltimore County
• Department of Aging, State of Maryland

In many cases, family members want to keep their loved one safe, which may mean a move out of their home. Here's an interesting blog shared by Sarah Mashburn at AAHSA.

Aging at Home… Is It Overrated? I know my 85-year-old Grandma would answer with a resounding “no!”, but there is an emerging consensus among experts that aging at home may not be the best option for every older adult.

I recently read a blog post by Corinne Reider, the executive director and treasurer at The John A. Hartford Foundation. The foundation’s whole mission is to improve health care for older Americans, and Corinne believes sometimes that means residential care options.
In her post, Corinne describes her experience caring for her parents. The couple has 17 chronic diseases between them, including blindness and Alzheimer’s disease. They refused to consider moving into a retirement community or assisted living. While they moved a few blocks from Corinne’s brother, the siblings struggle to deal with their mother’s falls and their father’s refusal to get out of bed.

Are you having conversations with your family members regarding their personal challenges and their wishes to remain at home?