A new medical transportation vehicle, free flu vaccinations, longer library hours, free medical information cards and a new uptown community shuttle bus are just a few of the services that the city offers with seniors in mind.
While several of these services are available to the community at large, City Councilman Richard Del Boccio said that they especially take the needs of the city’s elderly community into consideration.
“I’m very proud that this city has always looked after its seniors,” said Del Boccio.
Medical transport
A brand new nine-seat, handicap-accessible bus has been acquired by the city to transport seniors and the disabled to medical appointments. Any city senior can make an appointment by calling 201-420-2214, and a city employee will provide transportation via the new bus to a doctor’s office, or other medical facility in Hudson County. The medical transport is free of charge.
In the past, the city relied on a car for medical transport, but some seniors had difficultly getting in and out of the car. Since it was only a single car, it was often double-booked, said Carmelo Garcia, the city’s director of Human Services. “It’s essential that the city provides these types of services for seniors,” said Garcia. “By making sure the have a safe and easy means to get to their doctors, we can help make sure that our city’s seniors remain healthy and active.”
The medical transport bus was acquired at no cost to the city and is funded through a Hudson County public transportation program, according to city officials.
Free flu shots
After a nationwide shortage of flu vaccines, the city announced Wednesday night that it has received an extra 1,000 vaccinations donated by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, according to city officials. The shot are free, but are intended for seniors and low- and moderate-income families.
The city will administer flu shots on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand St. For more information about flu shots, call (201) 610-9472.
Extended library hours
One of the most valuable community facilities for seniors is the public library. As seniors retire, they have more time to read. Seniors and school-age children are the two demographics that are most often seen at the library.
The Board of Trustees of the Hoboken Public Library, Director Lina Podles and the staff of the Hoboken Public Library have announced the expansion of library weekly hours. Beginning the week of Monday, Feb. 9, the library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The library will also add another late night on Wednesdays (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.), and additional late night opening for the children’s room on Tuesday (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Visit the library at 500 Park Ave. or call (201) 420-2346 for the new expanded hours and to learn more about library programs and services.
Free medical ID card
The city is supplying free medical ID packets and cards for seniors. The cards come with a red magnetic pouch that can be attached to the door or refrigerator. The cards have space to list medical conditions, allergies, current medication, blood type, medical database affiliations, physicians, current medications, contact numbers of family members, and the insurance company. It also list local emergency numbers.
The card enhances emergency preparedness and disaster prevention by helping caregivers or first responders information during emergencies.
“By the time a paramedic or other emergency worker locates someone’s physician or next of kin, precious time may have been lost,” said Garcia. “That is why these medical ID card are so important.”
The cards are available at City Hall. For more information call (201) 420-2055.
New uptown shuttle bus
For the city’s older residents, it’s difficult to carry bags of groceries many blocks home. The city has taken possession of a new 19-seat community shuttle bus which will allow the city to introduce a new bus route on its public transit system. The city already has a downtown loop which runs south of Eighth Street, except for a stop at the Shop-Rite at 900 Madison St.
The new bus will allow the city to operate an uptown loop which will serve residents on the northern waterfront and the northwestern section of the city, including the Shop-Rite, and the PATH. Anyone can take the community shuttle, which costs a quarter for seniors and 50 cents for everyone else. The shuttles run from 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. For timetables and more information on the bus route call (201) 420-5614 or visit the city’s website at www.ci.hoboken.nj.us.
Mayor David Roberts said at the unveiling of the bus Thursday that the new shuttle serves two purposes. It ensures that all of the seniors can get to the grocery store, and it connects to the rapidly growing northwest quadrant to the rest of the city via public transportation.
“It is important that we supply our newer residents in the northwestern section of the city with the same high caliber of services that all other residents receive,” said Roberts. “The new route provides a substantial expansion of public transportation with key destinations like the new Shop-Rite and the PATH.”