FreedomCar Launches Concierge Program to Support Older Adults in Baltimore
In a significant advancement towards enhancing the quality of life for older adults, FreedomCar, a well-established transportation service in Baltimore, has unveiled its new program: FreedomCar-CONNECT. This innovative concierge service is designed to alleviate the administrative burdens that can overshadow meaningful interactions between older adults and their families.
As families increasingly juggle caregiving responsibilities alongside their personal and professional lives, the need for supportive services has grown. FreedomCar-CONNECT addresses this gap by pairing households with a dedicated Client Advocate responsible for managing a range of daily tasks that can become challenging as individuals age. Duties encompass scheduling medical appointments, coordinating home repairs, handling essential paperwork, organizing wellness services, and setting up necessary technology. By streamlining these logistical concerns, the program enables families to devote more time to fostering genuine connections.
Mark Thistel, the founder of FreedomCar, articulated the motivation behind the initiative, highlighting a common scenario where adult children find their visits to aging parents largely consumed by errands and problem-solving activities. The mission of FreedomCar-CONNECT is clear: to reclaim valuable time for families, while simultaneously ensuring that older adults can maintain both their independence and social connections.
Debbie Kennison has been appointed as the inaugural Client Advocate for the program in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Her responsibilities begin with a comprehensive two-hour in-home assessment designed to identify the unique needs and priorities of each household. Following this initial evaluation, Kennison will provide weekly visits to coordinate ongoing support. Her approach emphasizes the personal nature of the service—listening to clients’ stories and devising creative solutions to streamline daily living.
The philosophy underlying FreedomCar-CONNECT resonates with the emerging national concept of “joyspan,” which prioritizes enjoyment of life over mere longevity. By reducing everyday stressors and facilitating social connections, the program encourages clients to engage in experiences that bring them joy and fulfillment.
Beyond traditional transportation services, FreedomCar-CONNECT offers a wide range of additional services. These include errand assistance, senior care consultations, property maintenance, billing support, physical therapy, restorative yoga, organizational help, wellness services, meal planning, dietary counseling, and home technology assistance. Operating on a membership model, the program can be tailored to address the individual needs of each client.
For further information regarding FreedomCar-CONNECT and its wide array of offerings, please visit FreedomCar Connect. The launch of this concierge program underscores FreedomCar’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for older adults in the Baltimore community.
