Accessible Transportation Enables Seniors to Live More Independently and Prevent Feelings of Isolation

Prior to COVID-19, brochures and websites for senior living communities proudly advertised their ability to provide assisted living transportation to hairdressers, shopping centers, religious services, outings, and other daily activities.

Years ago, assisted living centers with an ample fleet of shuttle buses and wheelchair vans discovered that families evaluating a place for a loved one often looked to transportation services as an indicator of quality service. They wanted to know whether a parent or grandparent was going to be able to continue enjoying the activities they’re been accustomed to.

Now that the public health emergency caused by COVID-19 has ended in the United States, this consideration has come back into the spotlight as residents are venturing out again to do the things they enjoy the most.

What differentiates one assisted living facility from another in meeting the needs of active senior lifestyles is often found outside the center, ready to take a group of seniors on the road. It is the numerous minibusses and commercial full-size lift vans that provide a vital service to the residents.

Moving Billboards that Promote an Active Senior Lifestyle

From a marketing perspective, shuttle buses are moving billboards that provide continuous, visual advertisements of the center to the community. While many facilities contract for medical ambulatory-type trips, the dynamics and importance of customer satisfaction in getting residents to outside activities have changed how organizations view their transport capacity.

By increasing its transportation capabilities and marketing appeal with more activity options, a facility has a greater chance of keeping its units filled.

Centers today can have several multi-passenger vehicles on the road at any given time, transporting one or a dozen residents to and from various destinations. Almost all of these commercial transport vehicles have a wheelchair lift and space for wheelchair passengers, a necessary feature in providing mobility and freedom for residents.

Some vehicles can accommodate several wheelchairs, while others can only fit one or two at a time. All wheelchair vans have special tie-down systems in place for keeping wheelchairs in place and for passenger safety.

Finding the Right Vehicle for Assisted Living Transportation

Whether it’s a 12-person minibus with wheelchair accessibility or a traditional van with a fold-out lift, the right combination of vehicles in a fleet can provide a great service for residents and an opportunity for growth. Successful centers are active participants within their neighboring communities and the senior group events that bring friends together.

Wheelchair-accessible buses and vans provide more opportunities for continued community involvement and increased awareness to potential new residents. The ability to be flexible and creative in providing transport services will become increasingly important for centers in the future.

To learn more about commercial lift vans, check out our frequently asked questions about commercial lift vans.

You may also want to review our Media Room article on commonly used acronyms used with commercial vans.

Photo of Ford Transit CurbSmart^® courtesy of Driverge Vehicle Innovations.

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