After a conference a couple years ago, St. John’s in Rochester discovered a way to increase mobility for their residents, with a program they rolled out this week.
Berdjouhi Esmerian loves her home at Brickstone by St. John’s.
“In general, each time I walk in here, I feel like I belong here.” Esmerian said.
But after giving up driving recently due to medical issues, she’s felt a little restricted.
“If you don’t have a car, that becomes a problem," Esmerian said. "That’s a difficulty.”
Resident Life Director Chantel Foster says this is a common feeling among many residents.
“That feeling they’ve lost the freedom to on a whim go where you want to go, like you always have.” Foster said.
But thanks to a new program rolled out after Labor Day, residents can travel as they wish without having to rely on a taxi or St. John’s six-day service.
“We really felt there was a need for evenings, and weekends, and for them to have more spontaneity." Foster said.
Residents can now use the ride share program Lyft directly through the front desk of their community, at no additional cost. And Esmerian says it’s that easy.
“I can text, but all the other things I don’t like to do," Esmerian said. "I can call the concierge and say I need to go here or there, and they’ll make the arrangements for me.”
The service is available across St. John’s entire campus too, allowing for that mobility to return. Rides can be arranged a week in advance, or even 15 minutes in advance.
“They’re gonna be able to get out and be who they want to be, and they’re not going to have those barriers anymore, we can make that happen for them.” Foster said.
It's a joy for Esmerian, who can get to her favorite stores more easily than ever.
“Yarn shop is something I like to go to, or book store or something like that," Esmerian said. "I was sitting and enjoying the ride that I wasn’t pushing the pedals for.”