Elder Care Firm December 2017

THE BENEFITS OF RIDE-SHARING FOR OLDER ADULTS

According to the Community Transportation Association, 26 million older adults rely on others for transportation. Between the lack of autonomy and the fear of being a burden, this dependency often leads to a decreased quality of life. Most seniors don’t want to call a loved one every time they need a ride, and public transportation is often a hassle at best. Recently, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have offered older adults an alternative way to get where they want to go. If you’ve never tried ride-sharing before, here’s how it works. Using an app on your phone, you set a pick-up and drop-off location. In just a matter of minutes, a driver is at your door, ready to travel to your destination. Payment is automatically linked to your phone, so you don’t need to worry about having cash on hand. If you need help setting up the app, reach out to a tech-savvy friend or family member. Odds are they’ve used these services themselves.

SilverRide and Lift Hero, are expanding into new regions all the time.

Ride-sharing offers a number of benefits to older adults who don’t want to rely on a friend or loved one for transportation. Have a medical appointment? Getting there has never been easier. Looking to take a walk somewhere that requires a short drive? You can ride-share there and back. Going out for a bite to eat? With the touch of a button, you’ll soon be on your way. Ride-sharing offers increased independence, security, and efficiency, which far outweighs most other transportation alternatives. You might think of mobile technology as an industry aimed largely at younger generations who live their lives on their phones. Ride-sharing services, however, can offer just as much benefit to you as to those rowdy 20-somethings. If you need a quick, affordable ride, give these apps a shot.

If you need help getting in and out of the vehicle, Uber even offers a special service called uberASSIST. Drivers in this program have special training and offer

HOW WE GIVE BACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Adopt a Family Through LACASA Center

The holidays are a time of giving, and here at The Elder Care Firm, we are always eager to help our community. This year, for the second consecutive holiday season, we’re honored to participate in the Adopt a Family program run by LACASA Center in Howell. Since 1979, LACASA Center has helped provide shelter and relief to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. A registered nonprofit, they help hundreds of families each year cope with trauma, heartache, and other difficulties. LACASA is an incredible force for good in our community, so we are grateful to help them achieve their mission of support and advocacy. During the holidays, LACASA Center encourages community members and organizations to participate in their Adopt a Family program. Through this program, donors are able to provide a family in need with a holiday meal and presents for children. The holidays are a stressful

time for all of us, let alone those going through familial strife. The Elder Care Team is grateful for the opportunity to lend a hand to a local family and work alongside this wonderful organization. To us, giving back is the greatest gift of all. This year, we were able to set a new donation record for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in addition to sponsoring LACASA’s Adopt a Family program. The camaraderie and like- mindedness of our residents are part of what makes this community so special, and it means a lot to contribute in whatever way we can. As you sit down with your families to enjoy the holidays, take a moment to think about those people in our area who aren’t so fortunate. And if you can, spread a little holiday cheer by contributing to a good cause close to your heart. Even a small contribution can make a big difference.

2 • www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com

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