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CLEARLAKE OAKS – Designed with the community in mind, the multipurpose Live Oak Senior Center now has a nine-passenger minibus for the transportation of Clearlake Oaks, Spring Valley or Glenhaven residents.
The center's driver will pick up riders and drop them off for a nutritious hot lunch at the senior center in Clearlake Oaks, and return them to their homes afterwards.
The center is a hub for services and activities for seniors, and a visible symbol of this lake community’s concern about its older residents, according to center Executive Director Pat Grabham. It is the place where new friends and longtime friends gather for lunch, fun and a host of other community activities.
For many of the residents it is “home away from home,” Grabham said.
Depending on demand and funding, there are plans to replace the present vehicle with a larger, more accessible 12-passenger minibus, according to Grabham. The more seniors who use this service, the more they can enhance their dignity, independence and involvement with the community.
Minibus transportation is provided for seniors five days a week, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You must call at least one day in advance. Reservations must be made the day before, and no later than 3 p.m. for next day service. Same day service is on space-available basis only.
Understandably sometimes plans change and people no longer need a ride. Please call 707-995-1950 to cancel your trip as soon as possible. This will save the senior center the cost of an unnecessary trip and allow them to provide a ride to someone else. The community's cooperation will be appreciated.
The minibus program was made possible in part by funding from a Caltrans grant and Lake Transit. The bus was donated from the Ukiah Senior Center to accommodate the increase in seniors attending the Live Oak Senior Center.
“For our seniors transportation is a major concern, especially for those who are no longer able to drive,” Grabham said. “We are delighted to provide this important additional service to improve their quality of life.
“I am thankful to all of those who made the implementation of this community service possible,” she added. “More residents will be able to attend our Live Oak Senior Center in Clearlake Oaks, to have the opportunity to have a nutritious meal, to socialize with others, and to keep living independently in their own homes. In addition to curb-to-curb service, we have plans to use the minibus for a variety of special events.”
It must be remembered that in rustic communities such as Glenhaven and Clearlake Oaks transportation needs to be provided to homebound seniors who are unable to cook their own meals, to have personal transportation, or are wheel-chair bound.
Aging often results poor motor coordination, poor eyesight or hearing, and a variety of debilitating diseases that keep elderly people homebound. Even if they have the ability to drive, they find it safer not to risk a drive to the senior center due to the health conditions they have. The minibus program primarily intends to benefit such homebound seniors, Grabham said.
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