April 20, 2021
Pam Clark, left, enjoys an outing thanks to Drive Happiness, which is staffed by volunteer drivers like Janet Hirch.
Story by Greg Harris | Photo by Evan Isbister
When you’re 90, having access to an inexpensive ride service that can give you a lift to your COVID-19 immunization appointment is a treasure beyond measure.
And it’s another gift altogether when that same ride service has actually booked the appointment for you.
“They phoned me the day it was announced that I could get a shot,” Edmonton resident Pam Clark says of Drive Happiness, the transportation service for seniors she’s been using since 2014.
“It was such a blessing that they set it all up. They’re very generous people, giving up their time and energy, and they all deserve a bouquet as far I’m concerned,” Clark says.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) supports Drive Happiness through the Alberta government’s Community-based Innovations in Dementia Care grant program. Many Drive Happiness clients live with dementia; others like Pam are fully independent and welcome the transportation support to stay mobile.
“Drive Happiness ensures that seniors, including those impacted by dementia, have a safe and supportive transportation option,” says Katie Kirschner, AHS provincial practice lead, Provincial Seniors Health and Continuing Care.
“Their service removes a significant barrier for those affected by dementia in accessing health services, attending social events and participating in meaningful activities,” Kirschner adds.
Drive Happiness is a not-for-profit volunteer organization with roots tracing back to the late ’90s and early 2000s. From modest beginnings in southwest Edmonton, its nearly 150 volunteer drivers last year provided more than 21,000 rides to seniors in communities across Edmonton, as well as in Lethbridge, Strathcona County, Leduc County, Parkland County, Sturgeon County and the Town of Drayton Valley.
“Eventually we’d like to be able to help provide transportation services to seniors all over the province, whether by collaborating with other agencies doing similar work, or through our own program,” says Liza Bouchard, Drive Happiness executive director. “Whoever needs help setting up, we’re here to help them regardless of where they are in the province.”
Under the Drive Happiness model, seniors pay $10 per trip, good for 40 km or 90 minutes in duration. Volunteers, who have received training in dementia care, are reimbursed for gas.
“If you’re using taxis to get to medical appointments or other programming, or even just to go grocery shopping, it can all add up pretty fast,” Bouchard says.
Drive Happiness offers much more than just the opportunity to maintain some mobility, though.
“With Pam, we booked her vaccine online for her and took her for her first shot,” Bouchard says. “She is quite isolated and so we have stayed connected with her throughout the pandemic, bringing her books, activity items and groceries.”
Clark says she’s grateful for the opportunity to meet new volunteer drivers on her outings, such as to hair appointments or to see doctors and dentists. “I also appreciate the books they bring — I like to read a good English murder mystery.”
AHS Provincial Seniors Health and Continuing Care support community programs that improve quality of care and health outcomes for Albertans living with dementia. Funded by a grant from Alberta Health, close to 20 programs throughout the province are developing innovative approaches to person-centred services for Albertans impacted by dementia.
