Watertown’s seniors have a new way of getting around town as of Sept. 1.
ITN—Greater Boston, a non-profit organization connected to a national network, recruits volunteers to drive seniors around their communities. The program, seed-funded by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation, came to Massachusetts in early 2012, and rolled out in Watertown and Waltham in September.
Executive Director Jean Patel Bushnell said the point of the network is to keep senior citizens invested and involved in their community.
“If they don’t have the means to go to a medical appointment, to go play bridge, to see their children, to see their grandchildren graduate…they’re not as happy,” said Bushnell.
Bushnell said the network is currently in its marketing phase in Watertown: it’s getting the word out, and searching for two to three volunteer drivers.
The network is open to adults age 60 or older and to the visually impaired, and requires a $60 fee to join. ITN then enters the person’s preferences into a database.
“Do they have a walker? Do they like [the volunteer] to speak gently to them in the car?” said Bushnell.
When a network member reserves a ride by 5 p.m. the day before, the rides cost $4 to start, then $1.50 per mile.
Bushnell said that this is both cheaper than other alternatives, and more dignified.
“We really believe in the concept of dignified transportation,” said Bushnell. “It’s an unmarked car. You’re driving with a friend.” She added that seniors can rest easy knowing that their drivers have been CORI-checked and vetted by the ITN network. Drivers will also go into seniors’ houses and help them out to the car if necessary. She said seniors also often appreciate having a friendly person to talk to when on the way to nerve-wracking doctor’s appointments.
Bushnell said volunteer are expected to devote an hour and a half per week to the network. Drivers receive 35 cents per mile driven, which they can put in their own account if they are over 60, or donate to a senior citizen friend who has an account.
“We see new retirees, empty-nester mothers [become volunteer drivers],” said Bushnell.
Bushnell said the network has 21 affiliates in 24 states, and seven affiliates currently launching. She said to visit www.itngreaterboston.org for more information, or call the organization’s Framingham office at 508-309-7375 or the Brighton office at 781-296-1495.