It’s no secret that we are in great need of new Hyde Shuttle volunteer drivers in Burien and Des Moines/Normandy Park (and could use additional volunteer divers in Shoreline as well).  I’m hesitant to use the term “crisis,” but the situation is certainly far from ideal.  There are often times during which the shuttles are unable to operate because of holes in the weekly driver schedules-- forcing seniors and folks with disabilities to scramble to find other ways to get to their necessary errands and outings.
 
But we’re working very hard to turn this gloomy state of affairs around!  We recently kicked off our Active Volunteer Campaign to reach new potential volunteers looking for an enjoyable and meaningful way to spend their time.  This recruitment venture highlights the many diverse interests and hobbies of our volunteers.  Brady from Des Moines kindly agreed to step in as our model volunteer driver, and the flyers feature Brady taking part in a variety of activities—from playing tennis, to drinking lattes, to playing Frisbee, to playing his guitar, to riding his motorcycle.  (Residents of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and Shoreline, please look out for them around town!). 

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.

This week’s post features another testimonial from a 77-year-old woman who knows are programs well.  Here is what she recently shared with us:

“I use both the Hyde Shuttle and Volunteer Transportation programs.  I don’t know what I’d do without these services.  I used to drive everywhere as a social worker caring for mentally ill veterans, but you never know what shocks life has in store for you.  I got very sick a few years ago.  Everyone thought I was going to die.  After spending 7 months in the hospital, I remarkably survived.  Even the doctors were shocked when I came out of it alive.  However, I was no longer able to work or drive.  I now depend on these forms of transportation and can’t say enough good about them.
The drivers are delightful and have made me feel so much better about losing my independence…  They are absolutely wonderful!”
*Mary Lou B., regular Hyde Shuttle and Volunteer Transportation client

Her story echoes that of many other clients who unexpectedly have to stop driving after overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles.  As always, we are humbled and inspired as we learn the stories of Mary Lou and others like her who have beat the odds and triumphed in the face of adversity.

We never require anyone to pay for our valuable transportation services.  However, clients are able to send in donations to give back to our programs, and they often include thoughtful messages of appreciation to accompany their financial contributions.  Here is one such note that we received from 90-year-old Alma:

Clients and volunteers of the Volunteer Transportation program never know what connections they’ll discover through their conversations.  Here is one such small world story that was shared with us by Barbara H., volunteer driver:

“Today I picked up a lady I had not given a ride to before, and she looked familiar.  I asked her if she had worked at the University of Washington (where I had worked) and she had.  Turns out, I knew her when she was the secretary to the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics on the 3rd floor of the RR wing of Health Sciences at the same time I was secretary to the Head of the Division of Neonatology in the same department, located on the 4th floor.  She was a bit more wrinkled but otherwise by golly she was the same!  She remembered me and we reminisced and caught up on all the gossip that we were aware of, even though it had been almost 25 years since we had seen each other!  Made for a very pleasant ride for both of us!”

It’s amazing how many shared experiences, crossed paths, or commonalities can be uncovered in a short trip to the doctor’s!

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.

Nancy R., an 83-year-old Bellevue resident, used to volunteer regularly in the Radiation/Oncology Department at the Overlake Hospital until the unfortunate day that she tore her rotator cuff.  She consulted with her doctor, who determined she would benefit from weekly physical therapy appointments.  But as a Medicare patient, her options were limited to facilities in either Issaquah or Kirkland-- none in Bellevue.  She was unable to drive herself to either location or pay for cabs, so her doctor recommended Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation to assist her.

Nancy has been incredibly happy with her VT experience* (*SEE HER LETTER BELOW) and has been able to dramatically improve her health over the past few months. She states, “Both the Doctor and the Physical Therapist are very pleased with my progress. Now that my health is improving, I can move on with my life.”  Nancy has recently resumed volunteering again at Overlake.

Just as Senior Services’ Volunteer Transportation has helped Nancy get to her medical appointments, Nancy has been adamant about promoting our program to family, neighbors, and friends.  She has even copied her own brochure and has given the information to her doctors in hopes that Volunteer Transportation can assist others.  Nancy has direct experience with the benefits of Volunteer Transportation, and she knows how vital this program can be for others to remain strong and independent. 

We wanted to share Nancy’s exact words with you, so here is the typed letter she sent to our office:

To: Senior Services
Re: The Volunteer Transportation Services

This is a tremendous organization, and it has been a real BLESSING for me!  Without it, I would not have been able to take the Physical Therapy I needed when and where my Doctor wanted me to take it.  Every one of your drivers that I met was most helpful, friendly and wonderful.  I was greeted with a smile, asked if I need help, and talked to as if I were an old friend.  All these things in a time of discomfort and maybe a little stress were an enormous gift!  I knew when I called I would get a time if it was available and if not, Amy would work with me for the next best option.  Usually, my contact was Amy, but I also talked with Donald and Jacob—all gracious and working to help me.

I have recommended the program to other people, and given copies of your brochure to 3 Doctors’ offices. 

I think you can tell that I have no complaints!  Just a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
Nancy Reynolds

It’s always affirming to receive such positive feedback from the clients we serve, and we appreciate Nancy’s efforts to spread the word about our program to others in need.  It also brings us much satisfaction to know that our program helped her get back to the volunteer commitments, routines, and activities that support her overall wellbeing.   Keep up the good work, Nancy!