Getting around: Transport and Mobility for elderly people (part 1 of 3)
Getting around is perhaps even more important for elderly people than it is for everyone else in the community. That because they need activities and fun to be a part of their everyday lives just as much as younger folk do. After all, no one likes to be bored. However, they have fewer options available to them. Also, the are often harder to get to when you consider the practical issues of transport and mobility for elderly people. Plus, especially in the case of the elderly, sitting around too much can be very detrimental to their physical and mental health. As such, transport and mobility for elderly people is a very serious issue.
Here, at Vermont Aged Care, we pay particular attention to keeping our much-loved elderly residents happy and healthy. That is why it is our pleasure to pass on some helpful hints. These hints will help anyone caring for an elderly loved one, with regards to getting around, transport and mobility. In this 3-part series of blogs we’ll address each main topic individually. In that way, we’ll be able to pass on the maximum amount of information on each subject.
Accessible transport & Concession Travel
Many improvements have been made over the last 50 years to provide transport and mobility for elderly people. Providers of trains, trams, buses, ferries, taxis and even aeroplanes have been helped and encouraged to think about transport and mobility for elderly people in the services. The results have been excellent, with no one left out.
For example, the first wonderful piece of news to greet you when you visit the website of Public Transport Victoria pertains to travel passes. In fact, for the elderly who are on a pension or using their own savings in retirement, that is music to the ears. Better still, free travel passes are available for some people with a permanent physical, cognitive condition or mental illness that prevents them from using ‘myki’. Better still, some elderly persons, ex-service personnel, people riding in wheelchairs or on scooters and people who are legally blind are included.
Go to the concession section of the Public Transport Victoria website to find out more (https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/fares/concession/).
Metropolitan Trains
Did you know that train drivers have been trained to offer assistance to the elderly and mobility-challenged passengers? For instance, one useful tip is boarding towards the front of the train near the driver. This is so you can ask for their help. Also, if you have hearing difficulties a TTY facility is available. Just call (03) 9619 2727. It’s good to know that Public Transport Victoria take seriously issues about transport and mobility for elderly people.
Victorian low floor trams
There are two types of trams in Victoria. They are low floor trams and high floor trams. For elderly and disabled passengers, low floor trams make travel safer and more comfortable. That’s because they feature facilities such as grab handles, step edging, automated announcements and electronic displays. Learn more about Low Floor Trams on the PTV website here. You can Contact PTV via phone on 1800 800 007.
Visiting Melbourne
With so many attractions in Melbourne, the only question is which attraction to pick first? This is particularly so for elderly people who have more time on their hands. Therefore, the most important thing is choosing the things that interest them the most!
In fact, seniors get a lot of benefits others do not! For example, The Melbourne Planetarium offers free entry to carriers of a seniors card! Also, you’ll find that most parks and open gardens are accessible by public transport. Rippon Lea Estate offers concession discount. Werribee Park Mansion grounds is another historic, heritage listed treasure that offers seniors discounts.
Art, theatre & culture
The arts, theatre and cultural centre of Australia has always been Melbourne too. Theatre shows, live music, comedy clubs and festivals all confirm that Victoria is a region in love with the arts. The many galleries across the City offer everything from contemporary works by Australian and international artists to classic pieces by European masters.
For food and wine lovers, the wineries of the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and the Murray’s scenic riverside eateries are a delight to the senses. For our elderly citizens who love music, art and food, Montsalvat in Eltham combines all three. Closer to home, the inner city pubs, laneway restaurants and old-fashioned dining rooms such as the Windsor Hotel offer something for everyone. As does the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival which keeps Victorians abreast of the latest in innovation whilst bringing the community together in a joyous and convivial atmosphere.
Mobile apps
To access public transport information on the go, download the free PTV app for Android and iOS. These allow you to view service times, use the journey planner, set your favourite stops and find myki top up locations throughout Victoria. The apps now include real time information for metropolitan trains, trams and buses.
Maps
The Public Transport Victoria website will provide your elderly loved one with network, route, local area & regional maps for public transport services across Melbourne and Victoria. Publications in large print are available too.
Links:
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Food-and-wine
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Things-to-do/Art-theatre-and-culture
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Things-to-do/Touring-routes
http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Information/Visitor-information-centres
This blog is intended to provide helpful advice. Please speak with your family GP for personalised information or, for specialist advice & support in Melbourne Australia, please contact VERMONT AGED CARE:
770 Canterbury Road, Vermont, Victoria, Australia 3133
Phone: +61 03-9873 5300. Email: info@vermontagedcare.com.au
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