Older Voices Community Car Initiative

Description

The initiative tailored for elderly people can significantly improve quality of life, independence and safety for those who use it.
Independence
Older individuals who no longer drive, Or have little or no access to public transport can maintain independence by accessing essential services such as medical appointments, accessing social and community events as well as grocery shopping .
Reduced social isolation
Easy access to transportation helps older adults to stay socially connected reducing lonely and thus improving their mental health
Improved safety with a door-to-door assistance
Trained drivers can ensure safety of transportation for seniors who may have mobility vision or cognitive impairment offering a door to door assistance helping those who may struggle with walking or using public transport.
Environmental benefits
The community care initiative uses an electric vehicle which reduces pollen and aligns with CK LP’s sustainable community goals.
Community engagement
Older people can become more involved in community life by attending events volunteering or participating in group outings run by and for local communities ensuring that older people can stay relevant and connected.

In other words the initiative promotes dignity autonomy and inclusion helping older people remain active connected and supported within their communities playing a a vital role in enhancing mobility, reducing isolation, and fostering a stronger sense of community across the whole of the county. The initiative is both innovative and thoughtful and one which promotes well-being, social engagement, helping to combat loneliness.

The initiative is a true community collaboration between CKLP, Department of Social Protection, HSE, and Kildare County Council demonstrating the value of coming together to provide a invaluable service for elderly people living within it’s community.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the initiative is to provide safe reliable and accessible transportation that supports the independence well-being and social inclusion of older adults living within county Kildare specifically the key goals are to support independent living, improve access to essential services, reduce socialization, enhance safety and comfort for all those who avail of the surface, offer flexible door to door transportation and relieve family caregivers who might have to otherwise provide frequent transportation support. In summary the core aim is to empower older adults to stay active healthy and connected to their communities by offering transportation that is respectful dignified and suited to their unique needs.

Who is it aimed at

The initiative is aimed primarily at older individuals who may not have access to a car or public transport as well as low income individuals and or those with disabilities and or reduced mobility.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Understanding the needs of older adults living in the community

   Really hearing older voices through engagement with the target group directly, by ensuring collaboration with them. To ensure an understanding re mobility challenges preferences and concerns which they may have. This includes ensuring using vehicles that are easy to exit and enter equipped to carrying walking aids as well as ensuring that drivers are trained in providing assistance getting in and out of the car if needed.

   Where possible assigning regular drivers to build rapport and trust.

   Avoiding a complicated booking system offering phone based booking in addition to digital options.

   Recruiting and training drivers who are patient respectful and experienced with older passengers as well as establishing a clear safety policy background checks for drivers as well as regular vehicle maintenance. Ensuring that drivers are also trained to engage socially not just providing transport this can help to reduce loneliness for passengers.

2. Building a strong community partnership
   Collaborating with local health services, parish centres, churches and community organisations to build awareness and referrals and securing ongoing funding through public private partnerships and or grants.

   This includes promoting the service effectively using channels that older adults trust parish newsletters local radio senior groups and or word of mouth.

3. Since its establishment in December 2024 despite still being in a pilot phase it is evident that there is a demand for the service with it currently operating a three-week booking system.

   It is increasingly evident that there is a growing need for this service as well as a demand for potentially a second car so as well as planning for ongoing funding for driver recruitment and vehicle maintenance and explore partnerships, volunteer programmes and shared ownership models to reduce costs thus ensuring the long term sustainability of the community car model.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Funding and financial sustainability
   Maintaining a free service which covers the cost of fuel vehicle, parking fees, tolls, insurance, limited milage allowance, maintenance and drivers can be difficult especially where a service is reliant on both grants and or donations.
2. Recruiting and training suitable drivers
   Finding reliable, patient and trained drivers especially volunteers can be challenging. Consistency is important for building trust with older passengers so people’s availability can be challenging particularly when offering a door to door service.
3. Meeting accessibility and special needs
   Some older adults may require vehicles with special features for example wheelchair accessibility and or low steps as well as personalized support which increases operational complexity and cast therefore the current service may not always be suitable.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Increased independence and mobility
   Older adults in the county can travel to essential destinations such as medical appointments, grocery shopping and social events without relying on family or public transport helping to maintain their autonomy and dignity
2. Reduced social isolation
   Access to reliable transportation allows older people to stay socially active attend community gatherings and maintain relationships which supports better mental and emotional well-being
3. Improved health and well-being
   Regular access to healthcare services physical activity opportunities and nutritious food becomes more achievable contributing to better physical and mental health outcomes.