Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/68789
member story Access to transportation and other services will allow Roberta Foley to stay in her home as she ages. Independence-Minded by Roberta Foley, AMA MEMBER SINCE 1986 O NE OF THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF MY life was the day I got my driver's licence. I was in my 30s, and it gave me such freedom – I could go anywhere, any time. I never imagined the day would come when I'd stop driving. But this December, I got into a collision on my way to church. The road was icy and I lost control, hitting a streetlight. I was slightly injured, but the car was a write-off. I was so shaken by the experience that I stopped driving. To help me regain my confidence, a neighbour who works for AMA arranged a driving assessment for me. James Schenk, an AMA driving instructor, came to my house and we drove around the neighbourhood for an hour. After evaluating my skills, he 16 WESTWORLD >> JUNE 2012 told me, "There's nothing wrong with your driving; you just needed a few pointers." He also recommended that I take a winter driv- ing course. That did help my confidence, but I still haven't bought a new car. Fortunately, I have wonderful friends and neighbours, who have been taking me gro- cery shopping, to medical appointments and wherever else I need to go. I call a taxi when they're not available, or when I don't feel like asking, and I've fi gured out how to take the bus to the church where my quilting group meets. So I haven't lost my independence – I'm just rethinking the way I get around. In April, I had another visit from AMA. This time it was Caroline Gee, who works with community groups that help seniors stay mobile after they retire from driving. Over a cup of coffee, we looked at AMA's Seniors Transportation Information Guide, which lists community groups, transporta- tion options and services that come to your home (everything from groceries to dog grooming). We chatted about my experi- ence, and I told her how important it is for me to have access to these kinds of resources so that I can stay in my home as I age. I may still decide to drive this summer, but if not, at least I know – thanks to AMA – that I'll have plenty of ways to get around and get things done. And that's my idea of independence. Send us a story of how AMA has made a differ- ence in your life. MemberStory@ama.ab.ca Bluefish Studios/Darren Jacknisky