Transport of the elderly and the disabled is lagging behind now that the 'one and a half meter' society is slowly getting going. In itself not strange, because the elderly do not feel welcome everywhere after the corona crisis and are unfortunately often checked. With statements such as dry wood, vulnerable elderly people, a '60 -min economy ', we are not doing better in our society. 

Often it is not easy to visit friends in a nursing or care home. In addition, it is almost impossible for the elderly to travel by taxi to friends. Many measures that have been taken do not encourage the elderly to still feel welcome and even perceived as difficult. 

watch out for discrimination against parents

Parental discrimination is increasing sharply due to the consequences of the corona policy. D66 wants to refuse elderly people in Amsterdam from the catering industry, a mechanic from Liander would rather not visit the over-70s and dentists should remove the over-70s from their appointment list. Columnist Marianne Zwagerman even wants the elderly not to 'unnecessarily stretch their lives' and calls them en passant'dry woodin her column. The negative stamp is heavy for the elderly. The word "vulnerable" or "weak" evokes images of pathetic people who can no longer do anything.

“Last week I called to order a taxi. Before I got a telephone operator on the line, I had to listen to a tape with questions asked about my health, those of my family members and further restrictions on transport, ”said a traveler in response to our report.

This seems logical in itself, because otherwise the operator has to ask all these questions, but it raises the barrier to book transport for the older target group. The same questions are then asked again by the driver and the full story starts from the beginning on the return journey. 

travel can be done subject to rules

Wearing non-medical face masks is mandatory for group transport. Municipalities and operators themselves decide how they implement social recreational transport for people with a mobility impairment under the current circumstances. Vulnerable elderly people who live at home and who do not have a cold can, in principle, go to the normal daytime activities. However, healthcare professionals must consider whether this is possible for each person. Naturally, the advice of the RIVM applies to this. 

politics asks questions

However, there are also political parties that do stand up for the elderly and ask why older people do not currently use the possibilities to be transported. Thus dThe Rotterdam party asks 50PLUS and wants to know from care alderman Sven De Langen which people are being transported and which protective measures have been taken by the transporters. Council member Verkoelen wants to know whether the capacity of the transporter Trevvel or the local bus is sufficient.

valys

Valys transport was shut down to limit the spread of the corona virus and health risks to Valys travelers and drivers. In many cases, Valys travelers are elderly and / or people with frail health. Since 1 June, transport has been resumed as much as possible, within the applicable basic hygiene rules. The condition is that you do not suffer from a cold, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and cough, increase or fever. You must also wear a non-medical mouth mask.

Also read: New sector protocols for safe healthcare and taxi transport