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

Introduction

Transportation is a link to independence, quality of life, and social interaction. This is especially true for older adults and those with life changing health issues that are not considered older adults who no longer drive (either permanently or temporarily) and are therefore reliant on others for their transportation needs. Availability of affordable and accessible transportation is frequently identified as a gap for older adults. Volunteer community-based transportation alternatives are very important. Our goal is to maintain a mobile population. This module lays out many areas to think through before beginning this program.

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. We wish to fill in this area of need with informed/trained volunteers who can support caregivers or homebound persons.

We would like to thank Easter Seals for allowing full use of their program:
"A SOLUTIONS PACKAGE for Volunteer Transportation Programs" funded by the
Administration on Aging National Family Caregiver Support Program. With their permission, we have modified the information to fit our volunteer program.