Door-to-Door Service for Seniors in Central New Jersey

Written by Jessica Bernstein, Redcross.org

Sal Baldino uses the Special Transportation Program to get to his appointments.

Door-to-door service is one of the advantages that seniors in central New Jersey enjoy, courtesy of the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey. The chapter is dedicated to helping seniors "age in place" by enabling them to remain in their own homes, free from institutionalization. One of the key elements to maintaining independence is receiving needed medical attention. Without transportation, seniors may miss doctor's appointments and their health can suffer. That's why the American Red Cross began the Special Transportation Program.

The Special Transportation Program provides rides to non-emergency medical and dental appointments for elderly and disabled residents. They also offer occasional trips to the grocery store and social events. The program began when volunteers with the chapter's Meals-on-Wheels program noticed that clients frequently needed assistance with getting to and from medical appointments. In the eight years since the program's inception, chapter volunteers have provided more than 50,000 rides. Last year alone the chapter provided 7,534 rides. The rides are free although donations are welcomed.

Door-to-door service is one of the benefits that sets the Special Transportation Program apart from others. Volunteers pick up clients at their front door and assist them in getting to and from the vehicle. Other area transportation programs require clients to ambulate to the curb. Plus, Red Cross volunteers readily accommodate special needs. Recently a client who uses a wheelchair and lives in a bi-level home needed a ride to an important doctor's appointment. The program coordinator contacted the local rescue squad. Squad members were glad to offer assistance to help the client out of her house so that the Red Cross could take her to her doctor's appointment.

It's hard to imagine looking forward to doctor's appointments but that's just what Josephine Minella began to do after she connected with the Special Transportation Program. At least she looked forward to the trips to and from the appointments. Minella writes, "I have found a special friend, Helen Wissel who can't do enough for me. She cheers me up - she always greets me with a smile - she laughs at my jokes and treats me like I'm a part of her family. I feel just great in her company."

The friendships that have developed between the clients and the program's 12 volunteers are an added benefit of the program. Clients refer to volunteers as "Angels in Disguise." Edward Hayduck called on the American Red Cross when his sister was diagnosed with cancer. Faced with the daunting task of transporting her to five radiation treatments a week, he sought assistance from the Special Transportation Program. Mr. Hayduck later wrote to thank the program staff and volunteers for their assistance.

"I am writing to you to express my feelings about your transportation department. Recently my sister was diagnosed with cancer. She needed five radiation treatments a week. As you might have guessed, I was floored by the task of travel. After some contacts with different organizations, I became acquainted with your travel supervisor, Helen. Here is where I received the most help and concern for my dilemma. Confronted with 29 round trips to JFK hospital, Helen arranged to take twelve off my hands. What a relief! All of the drivers… were prompt, courteous and had a great deal of patience. Please extend my gratitude to your staff for their help. Their kindness will never be forgotten."

If you would like more information about this chapter, visit their Web site.

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