Volunteer Escort Program recruiting drivers for seniors
BY TERRY FLORES KENOSHA NEWS
Barbara Rankin is looking for a few good drivers.
OK, more like 10.
Rankin, the coordinator for the Volunteer Escort Program, which assists many Kenosha County senior citizens and some disabled adults with transportation, has experienced a sharp increase in riders, but is lacking enough drivers to meet the growing the demand.
Currently, the program has about 65 drivers and Rankin said she’s hoping to recruit at least 10 more.
While the program this year has served an average of 113 riders per month, 137 people were provided transportation in September alone, according to data from Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc. which oversees the volunteer effort.
By the end of the year, 330 county residents 75 years and older who comprise the majority of riders will use the volunteer escort program services, according to Gary Brown, the agency’s executive director. In 2004, 273 riders in the same age group participated in the program. Since 2001, the number of riders has doubled, according to Brown.
Most riders are transported to medical appointments but the program also takes them to work, shopping, to businesses and some entertainment.
Brown said two things that have driven the increase in use this year are the growing numbers of people who have Alzheimer’s disease and are transported to day programs and patients who need rides to kidney dialysis appointments. Last year, the program’s drivers transported 80 percent of its riders to medical appointments for a total of 166,263 miles and this year are expected to drive 180,000 miles by end of December.
The Volunteer Escort Program operates on a budget of about $100,000. The county provides about $49,000 in state and federal funding, while rider fees, which range from $6 to $18 roundtrip, help pick up the rest of the tab. The program also received a $5,000 grant from the American Cancer Society to pay for transportation of cancer patients to doctor appointments.
Drivers who are interested in participating in the Volunteer Escort Program should be at least 18 years of age, have their own car and a good driving record, a $25,000 minimum liability insurance and enjoy working with people. They should be available at least once a month for a two-hour time window.
Rankin encourages volunteer drivers to attend training sessions, but they are not mandatory. The training sessions include what to expect when helping someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to defensive driving. All training sessions are free.
Brown acknowledges that one of the difficulties in attracting drivers is the high price of gas. The agency currently reimburses drivers 32 cents per mile, but by Jan. 1, the rate is expected to increase to 35 cents per mile, he said.
“Our drivers are very committed and with training they’re also know what to expect and how to help an Alzheimer’s patient or someone with a disability,” she said. “That’s the difference between us and the cab, we don’t just drop you off. Sometimes we’re the only person that rider sees, especially, if they’re living all alone.”
