WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

Robyn Chavis is a woman after God’s heart. But it was a long and hard journey to get to the wonderful place she is mentally and spiritually today. 

In April of 2018 Robyn shared that journey in her book “The Breakthrough to Breakout To Be Bold, Beautiful and New.” The mother of two gives an open and honest look into her life growing up in a broken home, becoming a product of a divorced family. “I encountered molestation, became a teen mom, married and divorced young, falling victim to a generational pattern.” 

Robyn said that poverty had also become a part of several patterns in her life. “I was living with an older lady and her adult daughter. Watching the mom age from being retired and living in an area she had navigated, to her golden years not knowing people in her community, it seemed evident as we age we need to still have our independence and a need to stay mobile, even if we can’t drive,” shared Robyn. 

Most recently, Robyn had been working full-time, while trying to work herself into becoming a full-time business owner, when suddenly she was let go from her job. But if you’re strong, you don’t stay down for too long. “I believe I’m divinely appointed to serve and support others in their visions,” said Robyn. 

Now it was time to serve and support her vision. She thought about the elderly woman she had lived with and how she wanted to do more to help. This year she started “Elder Up,” a company that is a dedicated advocate for the elderly. “We’re committed to enhancing their mobility and independence, with a passion for ensuring that aging adults have access to reliable transportation services and address this crucial need within the community.” 

Robyn recognized the challenges faced by seniors in accessing transportation and decided to act. I remember how tough it was for my siblings and me to find reliable transportation and care for our mother, along with the lack of knowledge needed to care for an elderly parent. So, I sat down with Robyn Chavis and asked about Elder Up and to share some tips on how we can better help our elderly family members, coworkers, church members, and neighbors. 

“I remember how tough it was when I lived with my friend and her mom. Our schedules were different and trying to find ways to get to Mother, as we called her, to her appointments and work around our schedules was tough sometimes. And sometimes we simply couldn’t make it happen,” shared Robyn. 

She also shared some tips on how we can better help our elderly family members, neighbors, co-workers, and church members. “First, as we begin to see the signs of aging in our loved ones – losing eyesight, hearing loss, tiring out easily or need for daytime naps – start planning ways to meet their needs. A day program for socialism, in home care support, taking away responsibilities like making doctor appointments, getting groceries, planning personal care appointments. These are some basics.” 

I asked Robyn a few questions about her transportation company, Elder Up, and more advice on caring for the elderly.

What services does Elder Up provide? 

We provide transportation services that make aging adults feel special and still important in this stage of their lives. Taking them to doctor appointments, beauty shop and barbershop appointments, Bridge game dates, fellowship meetings, a night on the town. We specialize in making the ride an experience, offering a nurse’s aide to ride along or a storyteller to share some excitement.

With so many transportation companies out there, what sets Elder Up apart from the rest?

Our fancy Lincoln Town Car rides like a sofa on wheels. Music playing from the time the elderly can reminisce, too. A concierge driver dressed in a white captain’s hat, white gloves and a logo shirt and dark pants greeting them at the door to walk them to the car. A safe, comfortable riding experience.

What are the most important skills to have working with the elderly? 

Patience, love and respect.

How should we manage working with the elderly who have special needs, such as Alzheimer’s? 

This goes back to the skill of respect and learning about how these diseases cause our aging adults to behave and react when in a different environment or atmosphere. It’s important to know what triggers can occur when you’re dealing with Alzheimer’s patients.

What other tips can you give children who have become caregivers for their parents? 

It’s important to make healthy time for yourself. Being a caregiver is a lot of responsibility and requires balance in a family. I suggest, if need be, get the support from outside agencies to have proper care for your loved

one.

What are some of the health and safety issues one should know about if we’re working with the elderly?

Be careful of possible slips and falls. Make sure they have had all medicines properly before transporting. Make sure they have been hydrated to prevent dizziness. Make sure they are alert and cognizant about traveling. At Elder Up our drivers are CPR certified and our vehicles are certified with the City of Winston Salem for assurance for the family members.

What are some of the greatest challenges and most rewarding aspects of having a transportation company for the elderly? 

The challenges can sometimes be to help them stay encouraged. We get to hear them share their greatest stories, whether it is about a grandson, daughter or their loved one who may have passed on ahead of them. They get an opportunity to feel important being chauffeured around.

I’m sure a business such as this can be tough. Do you have a favorite scripture or quote that inspires you to keep pushing forward?

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We want to give the riders of Elder Up hope while they are still with us.

How can we reach Elder Up? 

You can call us at 833-835-3378 or go to our website at www.elderuptransportationsvc.com. We are also on Link Tree with all our social media platforms. 

My phenomenal Person of the Week is Robyn Chavis.