Volunteer Transportation Provides Independence for Issaquah Senior

 

87-year-old Phyllis Peterson has lived in Issaquah for over 25 years and has watched the city grow abundantly within that time.  When Phyllis first moved to Issaquah’s Providence Point, she was much younger and healthier.  Her only appointments were routine checkups and dental cleanings twice a year.  On those rare occasions when she had appointments, Phyllis did not worry about anyone else’s schedule because she was able to drive herself.   Phyllis drove herself to and from her medical appointments for the next 15 years.

That all changed the day she suffered from a stroke.  Her calendar soon filled with appointments that she couldn’t reach.  Her children were willing to assist her as much as they could, but she knew she could not expect her kids to take care of her for the rest of her life.   She states, “I lost my

independence the day I sold my car.”  She was determined to find a way to stay independent.

“It’s funny what can come up in random conversations,” she says.  Phyllis remembers talking to her neighbor at Providence Point over 10 years ago about a transportation program she used to help her with her medical appointments.  Her neighbor explained how volunteers used their own cars and would pick her up at home, wait for her to finish with her appointment, and bring her home. 

Phyllis thought it over and realized this program could be the solution to her problem.  She could still get to all her appointments without asking her family to take time away from work.  She could keep her independence just by asking for a little assistance.  All Phyllis had to do was call Senior Services.          

For the past 10 years, Phyllis has become well versed in asking for transportation assistance.  “I know the rules of the program, and they are very simple to follow.”  She now recommends Volunteer Transportation to others who are going through the same situation as she did 10 years ago.  Phyllis states, “I know what it’s like to worry.  With Volunteer Transportation, all the drivers have been on time, kind, and courteous.  I don’t know what I would do without them.”