Oakwood Common Offers Transportation Options

From Oakwood Common: Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, Oakwood Common resident Darlene Harris, a retired teacher from Detroit, attends a water aerobics class at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.

“It’s a great start to my day,” said Harris, who schedules the senior living community’s driver, Mike Kirksey, to get her to class on time and bring her home.

Although Harris maintains her own car that is parked in Oakwood Common’s underground heated parking garage, she said, “I prefer having Mike drive me and not worry about missing my water aerobics class due to poor weather or road conditions.”

Scheduled courtesy transportation for local shopping, doctor appointments and to area churches on Sunday is one of the many convenient features available to Oakwood Common residents.

With nine years’ experience as Oakwood Common’s full-time driver, Kirksey acknowledges being very familiar with residents’ shopping preferences, doctor appointments and outings to area restaurants and events.

“We’re like one big family,” said Kirksey, who maintains a busy schedule and is assisted by part-time driver Jim Sullivan. Both also have experience helping residents who are in wheelchairs or have special needs.

Four days a week, residents can take advantage of shopping trips to large stores in Dearborn and Allen Park. The community’s vans run every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday,Thursday and Friday. Wednesday is reserved for driving residents on outings to area restaurants and special events. On Sunday, Kirksey enjoys driving residents to area churches for services.

“Saturday is the only day we don’t schedule transportation, but if a resident needs to go somewhere, we’re happy to make it happen,” added Kirksey. “We try to be flexible.”

Transportation for special events and personal requests is also available for a nominal fee that is based on distance.

While many residents like Harris maintain their own cars, Kirksey shared that over the years at least 20 to 30 residents have told him they felt good about giving up their car when they were no longer comfortable driving, because transportation is available at Oakwood Common.

“That makes me feel good about the service we provide,” said Kirksey, whose department has consistently received the highest satisfaction rating among residents of 98 percent.

Oakwood Common, a Beaumont community, offers one and two bedroom senior living apartments located at 16351 Rotunda Drive, within a beautiful 29-acre community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center, part of Beaumont Health, are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit www.OakwoodCommon.org.

Images Courtesy Of Oakwood Common