Unicetine Lewis, 76, must pay $15 each time she needs a ride to a doctor's visit.
The Augusta woman, who suffers from heart problems and diabetes, said seniors who don't drive need more help with their transportation needs.
A group of Augusta State University graduate students is working on a project that could help the CSRA Area Agency on Aging get more grant money for transportation.
"I haven't driven in 12 years, so if my daughter can't give me a ride I have to get it somewhere else," said Mrs. Lewis, who took part in a focus group conducted by the ASU students. "All of us have to go to the grocery store, doctors' visits and other places, but we just can't always afford to pay."
The students are in a statistical methods class at ASU and are conducting research on transportation for the aging community, said Martha Ginn, the class professor. Jeanette Cummings, executive director of the CSRA Area Agency on Aging, asked Dr. Ginn about having her students research the topic.
"We're suburban-based, so it requires us to use automobiles," Dr. Ginn said. "As people age, they're not going to be able to drive. The issue is going to become more and more important. How are we going to assess their needs?"
The students are trying to determine seniors' concerns, said Aaron Price, one of the students working on the project.
Though the local aging agency provides some free transportation, the money is limited, Mr. Price said. By 2030, about $50 billion will be spent on transportation for the aging population, according to the Independent Transportation Network.
The students will present their research to the Agency on Aging at the end of the month. The statistical information could be used for grant proposals.
"Money has always been allotted for transportation, but right now the agency is serving at capacity," Mr. Price said. "We just have to show that the need is growing so they will be able to serve in the future."
Last week, Mr. Price and classmate Stephanie Coleman conducted a focus group with about 30 seniors at the Sand Hills Community Center. Dorothy Sheppard was among seniors who shared concerns. Ms. Sheppard, 76, said she still drives.
"My vision is not that good, so I know in the future I'll need transportation," she said. "They barely have room on the buses now. So I hope this will help us seniors."
Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
KUDOS to Dr. Ginn of ASU, Mrs. Cummings of the CSRA Agency on Aging, as well as ASU graduate students Stephanie Coleman and Aaron Price for cooperating in the solution of the real and growing problem of the lack of public transport for seniors in metro Augusta.
Good project.... Go ASU
...what a disgrace that Augusta/Richmond Country doesn't have services for the Elderly...such as transportain for the elderly/disabled.
A small county/town in the moutains of North Carolina provdes so many services for the elderly/disabled......As one of those people I am aware of all the services available to me.
I have my own transportation...{a driver whose is my care giver} however, the services are there should I need them...Now why can't Richmond country provide these services if a small poor country in the mountains of North Carolina can??
Mrs. Lewis who is a wonderful woman; it doesn't mention that she also walks with a prosthesis but she doesn't let these things limit her. Her daughter is extremely hard-working in a service-oriented capacity and there is nothing that she wouldn't do for her mother. Can't we at least give these folks, and others like them, who do not expect handouts, a small break?
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