Stamford's Older Adults Have Rides To Wellness

Thanks to two recent grants, Stamford’s older adults will continue to have round trip transportation to non-emergency medical and dental appointments. The $10,000 grants, from both First County Bank Foundation and Purdue Pharma L.P., allow SilverSource Inc. to maintain delivery of this important service.

Indeed, one of the greatest challenges facing older adults is transportation. According to the National Caregiver’s Library, there are approximately 8.4 million older adults who depend on others for transportation. Combine that information with the Administration on Aging’s estimate that by 2030 the number of older adults will more than double their number from the year 2000, and the issue of transportation becomes even more critical.

Thankfully, SilverSource understands that public transportation is not always an option for older adults and provides Stamford’s residents with rides to healthcare appointments. Through the ‘Ride to Wellness’ program, older adults receive round-trip service to their doctors and dentists located in Stamford. By simply making a reservation, they have safe and dependable transportation to their medical appointments, each weekday from 9am-3pm.

“Access to transportation is important for health,” said Kathleen Bordelon, Executive Director of SilverSource. “Many doctor’s appointments are missed or delayed because of transportation issues. Our ‘Rides to Wellness’ program not only provides older adults with secure and convenient transportation, it provides access to their improved well-being. We are incredibly thankful to First County Bank Foundation and Purdue Pharma for their generous contributions to this essential program.”

“First County Bank Foundation is proud to support a program that supports access to transportation for those who are in need while helping to improve the quality of life for the local Stamford community,” said Karen M. Kelly, Vice President of the First County Bank Foundation, and newly elected chair of the SilverSource Board of Directors. “We have a history of supporting these types of programs, having provided funding for the Get About program in New Canaan, and we are pleased to provide our continued support to the Ride to Wellness program. Providing access to reliable medical transportation improves our collective wellbeing.”

“Getting people to their health service appointments has ripple effects,” said Diana Lenkowsky of Purdue Pharma L.P. “The number of unnecessary hospital readmissions decrease, preventive care appointments can head off big health issues, and those with chronic conditions can improve their health. All of these factors reduce healthcare costs, something we at Purdue Pharma take seriously, and we are proud to support the Rides to Wellness program.”

For more information about the SilverSource Ride to Wellness program, or to make a reservation, call 203-324-6584. SilverSource, Inc. strives to enable older adults to live more secure, independent and fulfilled lives. Visit www.SilverSource.org to learn more and how you can help.

About First County Bank Foundation

Established in 2001 in honor of the bank’s 150th anniversary, First County Bank Foundation was created to distribute funds annually to nonprofit organizations that support community and economic development for children and families. As a mutual bank with no shareholders, First County Bank considers contributions made by the foundation a means of paying dividends back to the local communities it serves.

About Purdue Pharma L.P.

Purdue Pharma L.P. and associated U.S. companies are privately-held pharmaceutical companies known for pioneering research in chronic pain. Purdue Pharma is engaged in the research, development, production and distribution of both prescription and over-the-counter medicines and hospital products. Purdue Pharma is committed to advancing the medical care of patients with quality products that make a positive impact on healthcare — and on lives. Purdue Pharma’s headquarters are located in Stamford, Conn. For more information about Purdue Pharma, please visit www.purduepharma.com.

About SilverSource, Inc.

SilverSource, formerly known as Senior Services of Stamford was founded in 1908. It is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides information, financial support, and other services that positively improve the quality of life for people over age 60 while serving as a resource center and referral source on aging and related issues and programs. SilverSource, Inc., a 501(c) 3, is located at 2009 Summer Street in Stamford, CT 06905. For more information visit www.silversource.org or call 203.324.6584.