We here at Senior Services’ Transportation Program take our jobs very seriously, but there’s a lighter side to our work as well.   One of my recent enjoyable experiences took place as I braved a full day of heavy rain to represent our organization at the Spokes for Folks festivities in Seattle.

People of all ages did not mind getting wet as they stopped by my booth to learn more about our transportation programs and the myriad of other Senior Services programs, as well as our need for more volunteer drivers.  A few current clients of Volunteer Transportation and the Hyde Shuttles stopped by to express their appreciation for these services, and other visitors entered my tent out of pure curiosity.  In addition, our “Pin the Key on the Ignition” game was a huge success.

Because of their unique role, our volunteer drivers have the tremendous potential to serve as bridges—or gateways—connecting seniors to other needed services.   But it can be overwhelming or confusing to determine what to do or where to turn when a senior is in need.  Therefore, we have collaborated with Senior Services’ Information and Assistance (I & A) program to offer three Gateway Trainings for our volunteers.   These seminars are intended to support participants in deciding why, how, and when to make referrals to the appropriate contact, as well as what typically happens once a referral has been made. 

Linda Phillips, I & A Advocate, conducted our first Gateway Training on September 10 in Shoreline.   She described some of the typical signs demonstrating that a senior is in need of additional assistance (including but not limited to):

Linda provides volunteer drivers with various case studies.

• Unkempt appearance
• Strong odors on person and/or in home
• Depression, confusion, forgetfulness
• Substance abuse
• Caregiver stress
• Financial and social problems
• Physical losses
• Yard and/or pets neglected
• Home needs repair
• Recent change in behavior.

If one of these red flags is observed, Linda recommended that volunteer drivers share their concerns with their Volunteer Coordinator/Scheduler, or the I & A program can be contacted directly at: 206-448-3110, 1-888-435-3377, or info@seniorservices.org.  She further explained how I & A advocates may make additional referrals/reports (e.g.:  to the Geriatric Regional Assessment Team or Adult Protective Services) if needed.  Overall, the hour-long training was very informative, and volunteer drivers received answers to many of their questions.

We here at the Transportation Program are a part of the big, happy extended family of Senior Services-- the most comprehensive non-profit agency serving older adults and their loved ones in Washington State.  Together with our fellow Senior Services "brothers and sisters," we work to "promote the emotional, social, and physical well-being of older adults."  This includes many worthwhile services that inform, protect, support, and advocate; promote health and strength; enable seniors to remain independent and safe at home; and promote relationships and meaningful engagement in the community.  Collectively, we aspire to empower older people from diverse backgrounds to choose and develop joyful, healthful, and purposeful lives.

I'd like to dedicate this post to helping you get better acquainted with a few of our Senior Services "siblings": Meals on Wheels, Water Conservation, and Minor Home Repair.  Each of these programs is equally valuable in ensuring the independence and safety of the seniors we serve.

Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious and delicious frozen meals to thousands of homes throughout King County each week.  The following video (produced by the City of Auburn) portrays the heart and soul of what it's all about:



For more information about Meals on Wheels in King County, you can call the program at (206)448-5767.

Senior Services also strives to make lives easier through its Housing and Home Repair programs.  Leonard Luna, Minor Home Repair Field and Operations Coordinator, created the following PowerPoint presentations* to better illustrate the services offered within this Senior Services department (*minor formatting challenges):