Expanded ride program to medical appointments begins Jan. 15 through Foundation for Senior Care

FALLBROOK - The Foundation for Senior Care has announced it is expanding its transportation program to include rides to out-of-town medical appointments, to fill a void after the closure of medical services at Fallbrook Hospital. The Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary program will be discontinued on January 2. The foundation will begin its expanded ride program on January 15. The program will be staffed by volunteers using their own cars.

Previously, the Care Van program has transported clients within the Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow and De Luz areas only.

In April, 2013 the foundation raised enough funds to secure a wheelchair-equipped van.

The foundation is seeking to recruit volunteers for the new expanded ride program to drive clients to their medical appointments. Volunteers are asked to commit four hours or more per month to drive clients. The volunteer schedule is tailored to the volunteer’s own hours and mileage reimbursement is available.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer are asked to attend an orientation program on Wed., January 7, at 1 p.m. at the Foundation for Senior Care, 135 S. Mission Rd., Fallbrook. Parking and the foundation entrance are located on Fig St. Please RSVP to Dotty Metcalf, executive director, (760) 723-7570, ext. 104, who can answer any questions as well.

In addition to the Care Van, the Foundation for Senior Care offers support to local residents with their health and aging challenges. Additional resources include Adult/Senior Day Care Center, Senior Care Advocacy, and the Senior Care Computer Learning Center.

The foundation is not federally funded. It is wholly supported by donations, bequests, and grants from the community and its residents.