Jean Patel Bushnell is the force behind a new regional service for elders called ITN
GreaterBoston which will provide seniors with safe and reliable transportation.
Seniors who need a ride to their physician’s office, who want to attend outings with friends, go the grocery store or even visit their grandchildren will have a local option when ITN
GreaterBoston launches in a half dozen suburban Boston communities later this month.
ITN
GreaterBoston is the result of combined funding from the MetroWest Health Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation which wanted to ensure that seniors who were no longer able to drive could still get to medical and other necessary appointments. For Bushnell, ITN
GreaterBoston is about more than just getting from place to place. It’s about providing seniors with freedom and dignity.
Why are you so passionate about senior transportation?
“I had to leave work various times in the middle of meetings (to pick up my mom). I bashed my car once. It was just important to get her there on time and also be able to navigate the system for her. When I saw what I experienced as an adult child and I know many other adult children were experiencing the same guilt, the same stress because you want to care but so much is one your plate…if only there was a service that you trusted.”
Why is this service needed?
“There are several transportation options available to meet the need, however, the need is much larger especially when you think about 24-7 options. ITN
GreaterBoston is focused on working with the other services to increase options for seniors and the visually impaired.”
How did you hear about ITN?
“Through Carol Greenfield of Discovering What’s Next. Carol had known about the national model and I was on a professional break looking for the next right thing.”
Where does your passion for this service come from?
“I am the youngest of five children and I was my mom’s primary caregiver for 20-plus years. I really believe that transportation is the critical piece of the equation to reinforce quality of life. It’s really the hub of their life – having great transportation.”
What is your goal for ITNGreaterBoston?
“My dream would be to take this to Cape Cod, to take this to Worcester up to Beverly and so on.”