Introduction

Action Ideas That Work

Volunteer Driver Training Program
    Welcome / Introduction
    Who Are We Serving,
    Who Are We
    Challenges for Caregivers in
    Regards to Transportation
    Potential Challenges for
    Volunteer Drivers
     - Listening
     - Communication
     - Sensitivity
     - Preventing Agitation
     - Dealing with Agitation
     - Providing Physical Assistance
     - Boundaries
     - Safety Considerations for
       Volunteer Drivers
     - Emergency Procedures
   Transportation Specifics
   for Leaders
     - Risk Management
     - Insurance for Volunteers
     - Insurance and Liability
       Concerns
    Materials Needed to Teach
    Conclusion

Resource Sheets

Resources / Links

Challenges For Caregivers In Regards To Transportation

Caring for a loved one can affect both work and family life. Transportation can be especially taxing and time consuming. According to an AARP survey of family caregivers (1997), eight out of ten caregivers reported helping with transportation. In a survey on community transportation by AARP (1997), two thirds of non-drivers who were surveyed reported getting rides from family and friends to get where they need to go. The difficulties encountered in the area of transportation, such as handling a wheelchair or other assistive device, agitation, and distracting behaviors, may cause some family caregivers to stop transporting their loved ones or only transport them for the most essential appointments. Over time, this can lead to frustration and eventually isolation for both family caregivers and their loved ones. Family caregivers often rely on trial and error to solve their transportation challenges.