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15,000 Circulation
Vol. 36, No. 1
March h 2023
Elko Edition Reachi Reaching ing Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble And LaGrange Counties
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&RXQFLO RQ $JLQJ RI (ONKDUW &RXQW\ FDQ KHOS %\ .(,7+ .1(33 (GLWRU For most people, transportation is something taken for granted. Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, an appointment with a doctor or a visit to the bank, it’s assumed they can jump in the car or be picked up by a friend or relative to get to and from where they need to go. However, it’s not quite that simple for some seniors. Whether because of health or mobility issues, or a lack of funds to own their own vehicle, every trip from their home can be a challenge requiring planning and forethought. For seniors in Elkhart County, the Council on Aging of Elkhart County is ready to step in to assist with their transportation needs. The CoA maintains a fleet of 14 vehicles, including two
buses, available to pick county residents up at their front door and get them where they need to be. Its team of drivers, many of whom are seniors themselves, make sure their passengers not only get to their destination but are also properly checked in for their appointment. “We will take any resident of Elkhart County anywhere they want to go,” said CoA Executive Director David Toney. “We service Medicaid and many different insurances. If they don’t qualify through Medicaid or insurance, we go through and look through our grants to see what services they might be able to receive.” A small percentage of trips are privately paid. Toney also noted about a third of their trips involve dialysis. Most runs include doctors appointments and visits to the pharmacy. Trips to the
store also are possible, but only account for around 2%, as medical needs take priority. “All of our vans and buses are wheelchair accessible,” Toney said. “Our drivers are the most trained drivers in the county. We get our vehicles through an INDOT grant. As a result, the drivers have to take certain training and classes INDOT says they have to go through to drive. They’re more trained than anyone else around.” Toney said CoA schedules more than 1,400 trips each month. “Some days are busier than others. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are usually the busiest because of dialysis schedules.” The service has been in operation for 12 years. When Toney started with CoA eight years ago, they had four vehicles — a bus and three vans. The trips are
coordinated through advanced computer software to maximize the efficiency of the operation. Sometimes the driver who drops off the client isn’t the same one who will pick them up at the end of the visit. “Our services are uniquely designed to provide for the aging senior in Elkhart County, with awareness of their specific need for reliability, trust and security,” said Toney. “All our drivers are trained in CPR, first aid and transporting safety practices. It is our goal for every passenger to easily recognize they are in the care of individuals who truly care for their well-being.” CoA’s chief financial officer, Tina Fraley, noted the money received from Medicare and insurances does not cover the costs associated with the trips made. That has been exacerbated by the high price of fuel that has
taken a bite out of everyone’s budget. She said the gap between costs and reimbursement is as much as $20 per trip. CoA receives limited funding through community development block grants from both the City of Elkhart and City of Goshen. The rest of its operating costs are derived from donations and fundraising efforts. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing without the support of the community,” said Fraley. “It’s not just us writing grants. We need to look to the community and our partners to make it possible.” Transit is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on a limited basis on Saturdays. People can apply for transportation by visiting elkhartcoa.org. They also can call (574) 295-1820 for further information and assistance.
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