Page 6 - April 22, 2019
P. 6
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 6 MONDAY APRIL 22, 2019 MONDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2019 PAGE 7
MARD discusses seniors
transportation needs in region
by Cassie Kushniruk medical appointments because they did
not have a ride,” Dobbs said. “When
“Our seniors want to age in place and you look at getting to the grocery store
the only way they can age in place is if or the pharmacy, 27% of senior non-
they have transportation mobility,” drivers said they didn't get to essential
said Professor and Director of the services because they didn't have a
Medically At-Risk Driver Centre ride. For recreation/leisure/religious
(MARD) Bonnie Dobbs during Town activities, over a third of senior non-
Council's Special Meeting on April 16. drivers indicated that that they weren't
Dobbs also gave the same able to get to those activities.”
presentation to Yellowhead County Throughout the years, MARD has
council earlier that day, accompanied recognized the unmet transportation
by County FCSS Supervisor Wendy needs of seniors in rural and remote
Robinson. communities, and have been working
The MARD Centre is located at the on a number of pilot projects with
University of Alberta and works to these communities to address and
enhance the safety and mobility of combat these issues. On April 18, Town Council held their regular meeting at Holy Redeemer High School,
individuals who can no longer drive “The first community we worked providing Youth Council members and students with the opportunity to listen in on a
due to disabilities, illness, or age- with in 2013 was Wainwright and real Council meeting (see our next issue for full coverage). photo Cassie Kushniruk
related issues. District,” said Dobbs. In 2013, the
Due to the increasing seniors community launched their
population in Edson and the County, transportation service after fundraising Transportation and Tours Ltd. in order asked, “Is there no provincial funding
evidenced by the large waiting list for enough money to purchase a handi-van to address the unmet seniors for medical transportation available?”
the new Parkland Lodge, Dobbs and inheriting an old bus from the transportation needs. “Sundog has Dobbs replied that there is only
presented information to both Councils town. “They started off by giving 20 really amazed myself in that they provincial funding available for low
concerning transportation issues faced rides a month to seniors in their area; provide a discounted rate,” said Byers. income seniors. “For medical
by seniors and the group's pilot project now they're giving anywhere from “They not only provide the transportation there is reimbursement,
for the West Yellowhead region. 200-350 rides a month,” said Dobbs. transportation, but when they drop but there's a fixed kilometer before
In 2016-2017, MARD contracted In collaboration with the West everyone off at West Edmonton Mall, you can access that funding,” she
Banister Research and Consulting Inc. Yellowhead region, MARD is they actually have a vehicle there added.
to conduct a provincial transportation currently working on developing and waiting for them to take them to their After a similar question was asked
needs assessment of the seniors implementing a rural regional appointment. They also arrange from by Town Councillor Jacqui Currie,
population and persons with transportation service available for that specialist appointment back to the Dobbs stated that the Community
disabilities. seniors in the area. meeting spot.” Initiative Program (CIP) is available
Over 1500 interviews were “There was the opportunity for us to “This is the service at this point that for purchasing vehicles as a form of
conducted with individuals throughout apply for a small grant to help us come we've come up with, but one of the alternate transportation for seniors. “A
the five Alberta Health Services (AHS) together,” mentioned Town of Edson struggles that we're finding in all lot of the handi-vans that we have in
zones, looking at the different types of Community Development Manager communities is what we're calling the our communities have been financed
trips the targeted individuals take, Tanya Byers. “Once we were awarded 'first mile last mile' problem,” Byers through that program,” she said.
from medical appointments to essential and that work took place, we met on said, explaining that seniors have Town Councillor Krystal Baier asked
services and recreational activities. monthly basis.” trouble arranging transportation from how seniors are getting home after
“For the senior non-driver in our Out of these meetings, the group their households to the drop off being dropped off by the ESTS bus.
sample, 17% were unable to get to suggested partnering with Sundog location and vice versa. “It's either friends or family or taxi
Yellowhead County Councillors also service,” Gibbons replied. “The cost of
a taxi is $6 one way for a senior, but
PASSPORT PHOTOS & MORE expressed concerns with getting the seniors bus is $3, so it's half the
seniors to and from pick-up locations
THIS WEEK’S FEATURE with the considerable distances that cost. To you or I that doesn't seem like
a lot, but to someone who is on a very
could be involved in remote parts of
Professional Digital Mint Homes Ltd. the County, stating work still needs to fixed income, that can be a lot of
money, especially if they also have to
be done to address this issue.
Passport System Ho Yun, who was part of the take that taxi to go get groceries or go
AHS Occupational Therapist Sung
to the bank.”
photos ready delegation at the town meeting, agreed this proposed service will be essential
Councillor Bevan commented that
that seniors have struggled getting to
in minutes and from doctor's appointments. “I had to the community, especially with the
future opening of the Parkland Lodge.
been having a lot of missed
while you wait... appointments and I was wondering Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara asked if
why,” he said. “I've started realizing there are programs in place to help pay
that it wasn't their intention; for a second individual to accompany a
The Weekly Anchorhe Weekly Anchor
T sometimes they just couldn't afford to senior with dementia or other
challenges to a medical appointment.
come and had no means.”
Although the group replied that there
Primary Care Network Registered
5040 3rd Avenue, Edson
5040 3rd Avenue, Edson Nurse Maggie Gibbons with the is no current program to subsidize the
delegation added that although ESTS cost, Sundog offers the same reduced
780-723-5787
DROP IN AND SEE!ROP IN AND SEE! 780-723-5787 provides a wonderful service, there are fee to companions accompanying
D
seniors.
gaps present. “For example, someone
will have an appointment at our office Mayor Zahara suggested looking at a
and they have to show up an hour early partial subsidization of a similar
This 2 bedroom home was designed to take because that's when the bus can drop program.
advantage of a rear facing view lot such as a golf them off,” she said. “Now their half an Byers replied, “I have thought about
hour appointment has turned into a two maybe having taxi vouchers that they
course or lake view.The main floor has a central to three hour appointment because the can come and purchase for $3, so we
prow ed great room with convenient access to the bus is maybe at an overcapacity.” would subsidize them by $3 with some
of that money.”
Town Councillor Trevor Bevan
basement development. The large mudroom with a asked if Sundog will begin Dobbs closed with thanking Town
separate laundry room is close to the country implementing wheelchair accessible Council for their continued support for
seniors transportation in the area and
bussing in the near future.
kitchen. Off the dining area is a covered deck leading “At this point I don't think they were their willingness to schedule a special
to a spacious lowered deck .The quite ready to do that or even maybe meeting to accommodate the
timetable.
switch one of their buses to make two
master bedroom has a 4 piece For these plans spots for chairs,” Byers replied. “If On April 25, the West Yellowhead
ensuite and a walk-in closet. they do they would have to take out 6 Transportation Working Group with
or 8 chairs, and right now when they MARD will be hosting community
make their trips to the city they're full information sessions to learn more
Member of National Home Warranty Program a lot of the time.” Byers added that about the Sundog service. The event
will start at 1 pm at the Edson
Sundog is planning to put
Phone: 780-723-2330 questionnaires on the busses, allowing Healthcare Centre and is open for all
to attend. In Yellowhead County the
recommendations from patients. “If
Fax: 780-723-5068 the need is there, I can see them session will take place at 10:30 am at
the Wildwood Hall.
enhancing their service that way.”
Email: minthome@telusplanet.net Town Councillor Troy Sorenson (with files Dana McArthur)
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 6 MONDAY APRIL 22, 2019 MONDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2019 PAGE 7
MARD discusses seniors
transportation needs in region
by Cassie Kushniruk medical appointments because they did
not have a ride,” Dobbs said. “When
“Our seniors want to age in place and you look at getting to the grocery store
the only way they can age in place is if or the pharmacy, 27% of senior non-
they have transportation mobility,” drivers said they didn't get to essential
said Professor and Director of the services because they didn't have a
Medically At-Risk Driver Centre ride. For recreation/leisure/religious
(MARD) Bonnie Dobbs during Town activities, over a third of senior non-
Council's Special Meeting on April 16. drivers indicated that that they weren't
Dobbs also gave the same able to get to those activities.”
presentation to Yellowhead County Throughout the years, MARD has
council earlier that day, accompanied recognized the unmet transportation
by County FCSS Supervisor Wendy needs of seniors in rural and remote
Robinson. communities, and have been working
The MARD Centre is located at the on a number of pilot projects with
University of Alberta and works to these communities to address and
enhance the safety and mobility of combat these issues. On April 18, Town Council held their regular meeting at Holy Redeemer High School,
individuals who can no longer drive “The first community we worked providing Youth Council members and students with the opportunity to listen in on a
due to disabilities, illness, or age- with in 2013 was Wainwright and real Council meeting (see our next issue for full coverage). photo Cassie Kushniruk
related issues. District,” said Dobbs. In 2013, the
Due to the increasing seniors community launched their
population in Edson and the County, transportation service after fundraising Transportation and Tours Ltd. in order asked, “Is there no provincial funding
evidenced by the large waiting list for enough money to purchase a handi-van to address the unmet seniors for medical transportation available?”
the new Parkland Lodge, Dobbs and inheriting an old bus from the transportation needs. “Sundog has Dobbs replied that there is only
presented information to both Councils town. “They started off by giving 20 really amazed myself in that they provincial funding available for low
concerning transportation issues faced rides a month to seniors in their area; provide a discounted rate,” said Byers. income seniors. “For medical
by seniors and the group's pilot project now they're giving anywhere from “They not only provide the transportation there is reimbursement,
for the West Yellowhead region. 200-350 rides a month,” said Dobbs. transportation, but when they drop but there's a fixed kilometer before
In 2016-2017, MARD contracted In collaboration with the West everyone off at West Edmonton Mall, you can access that funding,” she
Banister Research and Consulting Inc. Yellowhead region, MARD is they actually have a vehicle there added.
to conduct a provincial transportation currently working on developing and waiting for them to take them to their After a similar question was asked
needs assessment of the seniors implementing a rural regional appointment. They also arrange from by Town Councillor Jacqui Currie,
population and persons with transportation service available for that specialist appointment back to the Dobbs stated that the Community
disabilities. seniors in the area. meeting spot.” Initiative Program (CIP) is available
Over 1500 interviews were “There was the opportunity for us to “This is the service at this point that for purchasing vehicles as a form of
conducted with individuals throughout apply for a small grant to help us come we've come up with, but one of the alternate transportation for seniors. “A
the five Alberta Health Services (AHS) together,” mentioned Town of Edson struggles that we're finding in all lot of the handi-vans that we have in
zones, looking at the different types of Community Development Manager communities is what we're calling the our communities have been financed
trips the targeted individuals take, Tanya Byers. “Once we were awarded 'first mile last mile' problem,” Byers through that program,” she said.
from medical appointments to essential and that work took place, we met on said, explaining that seniors have Town Councillor Krystal Baier asked
services and recreational activities. monthly basis.” trouble arranging transportation from how seniors are getting home after
“For the senior non-driver in our Out of these meetings, the group their households to the drop off being dropped off by the ESTS bus.
sample, 17% were unable to get to suggested partnering with Sundog location and vice versa. “It's either friends or family or taxi
Yellowhead County Councillors also service,” Gibbons replied. “The cost of
a taxi is $6 one way for a senior, but
PASSPORT PHOTOS & MORE expressed concerns with getting the seniors bus is $3, so it's half the
seniors to and from pick-up locations
THIS WEEK’S FEATURE with the considerable distances that cost. To you or I that doesn't seem like
a lot, but to someone who is on a very
could be involved in remote parts of
Professional Digital Mint Homes Ltd. the County, stating work still needs to fixed income, that can be a lot of
money, especially if they also have to
be done to address this issue.
Passport System Ho Yun, who was part of the take that taxi to go get groceries or go
AHS Occupational Therapist Sung
to the bank.”
photos ready delegation at the town meeting, agreed this proposed service will be essential
Councillor Bevan commented that
that seniors have struggled getting to
in minutes and from doctor's appointments. “I had to the community, especially with the
future opening of the Parkland Lodge.
been having a lot of missed
while you wait... appointments and I was wondering Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara asked if
why,” he said. “I've started realizing there are programs in place to help pay
that it wasn't their intention; for a second individual to accompany a
The Weekly Anchorhe Weekly Anchor
T sometimes they just couldn't afford to senior with dementia or other
challenges to a medical appointment.
come and had no means.”
Although the group replied that there
Primary Care Network Registered
5040 3rd Avenue, Edson
5040 3rd Avenue, Edson Nurse Maggie Gibbons with the is no current program to subsidize the
delegation added that although ESTS cost, Sundog offers the same reduced
780-723-5787
DROP IN AND SEE!ROP IN AND SEE! 780-723-5787 provides a wonderful service, there are fee to companions accompanying
D
seniors.
gaps present. “For example, someone
will have an appointment at our office Mayor Zahara suggested looking at a
and they have to show up an hour early partial subsidization of a similar
This 2 bedroom home was designed to take because that's when the bus can drop program.
advantage of a rear facing view lot such as a golf them off,” she said. “Now their half an Byers replied, “I have thought about
hour appointment has turned into a two maybe having taxi vouchers that they
course or lake view.The main floor has a central to three hour appointment because the can come and purchase for $3, so we
prow ed great room with convenient access to the bus is maybe at an overcapacity.” would subsidize them by $3 with some
of that money.”
Town Councillor Trevor Bevan
basement development. The large mudroom with a asked if Sundog will begin Dobbs closed with thanking Town
separate laundry room is close to the country implementing wheelchair accessible Council for their continued support for
seniors transportation in the area and
bussing in the near future.
kitchen. Off the dining area is a covered deck leading “At this point I don't think they were their willingness to schedule a special
to a spacious lowered deck .The quite ready to do that or even maybe meeting to accommodate the
timetable.
switch one of their buses to make two
master bedroom has a 4 piece For these plans spots for chairs,” Byers replied. “If On April 25, the West Yellowhead
ensuite and a walk-in closet. they do they would have to take out 6 Transportation Working Group with
or 8 chairs, and right now when they MARD will be hosting community
make their trips to the city they're full information sessions to learn more
Member of National Home Warranty Program a lot of the time.” Byers added that about the Sundog service. The event
will start at 1 pm at the Edson
Sundog is planning to put
Phone: 780-723-2330 questionnaires on the busses, allowing Healthcare Centre and is open for all
to attend. In Yellowhead County the
recommendations from patients. “If
Fax: 780-723-5068 the need is there, I can see them session will take place at 10:30 am at
the Wildwood Hall.
enhancing their service that way.”
Email: minthome@telusplanet.net Town Councillor Troy Sorenson (with files Dana McArthur)
