Often times there is confusion about what a transportation escort is and how it differs from a caregiver. While many of the responsibilities and duties overlap there are differences
Transportation escorts provide support and assistance in a variety of ways and quite often provide additional support and assistance in more than one role. In programs that offer one to one transportation by either volunteers or paid drivers, the driver often functions as the escort in addition to being the designated driver
The escort typically may provide assistance at several stages during the trip starting from inside the riders home, into the vehicle and into the destination. Quite often the driver will accompany the rider into store, medical appointments or other destinations.
In other programs the transportation escort is a person in addition to the driver who is there to provide necessary assistance to riders. This resembles the caregiving role very closely and is typically an additional charge for these services
The types of assistance that escorts provide will vary from program to program, rider to rider, and area to area. This is all very dependent upon the riders needs and the policies set forth by the individual transportation agencies.
The variety of assistance that driver escorts may provide to riders often includes the following
1. putting on shoes and coat for a trip assistance in dressing
2. collecting bags and necessary documents for their trip
3. Getting out to the vehicle ensuring safe transport including any necessary assistive mobility devices
4. Escorting them to/from their destination (offices, doctor office, stores, churches,local attractions, museums)
5. Shopping- grocery, clothing,etc
6. Accompanying to medical appointments
7. Filling out paperwork- medical paperwork and other various documents
8. Assisting with interpreting instructions and language translation as necessary
9. Relaying information to families, caregivers and assisted living facilities
10. Accompany to social events, local events, birthdays, parties, holiday events
11. Providing socialization and companionship
12. Assisting with behavioral issues/ incontinent issues/ medication issues during the trip
Jason is the CEO of Senior Cab- a startup dedicated to solving the Senior Transportation problem. He writes about Senior Living and the challenges that face Seniors living at home or in Assisted Living Facilities. He previously held roles in Sales and Marketing at Microsoft. Follow him on Linkedin
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