The Fife Dementia Strategy: 2010 – 2020 - The Knowledge Network

I’m not allowed to travel on my own so transport is my big problem.
(Service user with dementia)
I usually get around with the local bus, if you can get one to match where
you go and where you can get off. I’ve had both my knees replaced, and
usually there is so far to walk. I mean it’s different now, you have to go
somewhere close to where you stop, especially in bad weather. (Service
user)
I’m lucky, I have a daughter who will take me out. It is very difficult on the
bus anyway. Because, you know, of the high step getting on. They don’t
wait until you get seated or anything like that. And you got a pass and you
can’t really use it can you? (Service user)
4.7.5 Ensure older people and people with dementia have access to
transport which is suited to their physical needs and lifestyle
preferences.
In Fife, much like other local authorities in Scotland, public transport is an
essential way for individuals who hold a concession (i.e. over the age of 60 or
living with a disability) to get around. For most this is achieved through the use
of public buses, however for those with greater need additional supported
transport options exist (for example Social Work Service operated transport;
or Council local concessionary travel schemes such as Taxi Cards, Dial-a-
Ride and Ring-n-Ride 42 ). Continuous improvement is important to many
transport providers throughout Fife in order to enhance the role transport
plays across all user groups, and it is important that people with dementia are
included in consultation processes with stakeholders.
In addition to Council operated services, throughout Fife there are a number
of local initiatives set up to improve transport options for older people in the
local community. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness by potential users of
many of these projects highlights the need to better communicate such
schemes. Throughout consultations for the Dementia Strategy, service users,
including people with dementia and care providers, identified transport as a
significant issue affecting the ability to live an independent life and utilise local
services and facilities. This was especially true in the more rural areas of Fife,
particularly in the North East, where there are limited public transport options
available.
Many of the service users who took part in the public consultation reported
using short break services such as day care as they had no other opportunity
to socialise due to difficulty in accessing transport. Often aware of potential
groups and events they would like to attend in their local community, many
older people were unable to do so as they lacked transport options and were
unable to use public transport alone and unsupported. As day care services
provided by the Council has its own supported transport attached this is the
42 Details of Concessionary Travel Schemes in Fife are available on www.FifeDirect.org.uk
then click on > Travel & Transport > Public Transport > Concessionary Travel.
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