LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A ride service for seniors is still up-and-running despite numbers being down because of the coronavirus.
“People as they age typically have some changes in their health that mean it’s difficult to drive, and we want people to stay safe," Executive Director of ITN Bluegrass Jennifer Gripshover said. "But they still have places they have to go and things they want to do."
Gripshover says they give rides to people 60 and older.
Usually they take people anywhere, but right now they’re focused on the necessities.
“Whether it’s taking people to medical appointments or taking them to the grocery store," Gripshover noted. "Or we’re even willing to and pick up things for them so they don’t even have to leave the house."
The drivers providing rides are a combination of paid employees and volunteers that take extra precautions due to the coronavirus.
“Between rides we’re sanitizing the cars, taking wipes and you know sanitizing you know anything that anybody would touch,” said Gripshover.
ITN Bluegrass is also providing masks for drivers or riders who want to wear one.
Typically to sign up there’s a $50 yearly membership fee, plus a per-ride fee of around $10 to $12.
But Gripshover says right now they have money to cover the rides of anyone who needs extra help.
“Just trying to get that word out there that we’re still here, we’re still available to transport folks and that’s what we want to do, Gripshover said. "We want to help during this particularly difficult time."
You can call ITN Bluegrass at 859-252-8665.
