Travis County Medical Alliance awards $5,000 to Family Eldercare’s In Home Care Program to support transportation for medical appointments for clients.

Older adults typically have multiple health problems that require regular monitoring, yet do not have reliable transportation to medical appointments.  Family Eldercare Care Attendants drive the individual to the appointment, escort them to the office and wait while they visit the doctor.  With permission from the older adult, the Care Attendant may sit in on the appointment or help the client understand the doctor’s instructions.  This is particularly valuable for older adults who often have difficulties hearing, comprehending or remembering the doctor’s guidance. The Care Attendant also provides support to the older adult before and after the visit, and often takes the client to the pharmacy to pick up their medication(s) after the appointment.

In addition to medical visits, care attendants provide transportation to help older adults with grocery shopping, banking and other errands.  These trips help older adults perform basic tasks necessary to remain living at home.  They also help reduce loneliness and social isolation among older adults; many of our clients have no other means of transportation and, thereby, have no other means of getting out into the community.

The funds awarded by the Travis County Medical Alliance will help frail older adults to maintain their health and well being by ensuring they keep their medical appointments and, with client permission, understand their doctor’s orders. Funding will also contribute to improved medication compliance since the Care Attendant often provides transportation to pick up medications and provides medication reminders during their stay with the older adult.  These services, together with escorted transportation for other errands, help protect the physical and mental health of older adults so they can extend the time that they remain living in the community.