FreedomCar Expands Services with Concierge Offering for Seniors
Baltimore-based FreedomCar has launched FreedomCar-CONNECT, a membership-based concierge service that addresses the growing need for comprehensive support services for older adults and their families by handling administrative and logistical tasks to improve quality of life.
FreedomCar, Baltimore's established transportation provider, has introduced FreedomCar-CONNECT, a personal concierge service targeting older adults and their families. The service aims to address the administrative and logistical challenges that often consume family visits and diminish quality time.
The program pairs each household with a dedicated Client Advocate who serves as a long-term point of contact for various support needs. Services include scheduling medical appointments, coordinating home repairs, organizing paperwork, arranging wellness services, and setting up technology. This comprehensive approach is designed to reduce daily stressors and allow families to focus on meaningful interactions rather than logistical tasks.
Founder Mark Thistel explained the motivation behind the service, noting that adult children frequently find their visits with aging parents dominated by errands and problem-solving. The service aligns with the growing national conversation about "joyspan"—the concept that aging well involves enjoying life experiences rather than merely extending lifespan.
Debbie Kennison serves as the inaugural Client Advocate in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Her role begins with a two-hour in-home assessment to understand client needs and priorities, followed by weekly visits for ongoing coordination and support. Kennison emphasized the personal nature of the service, describing it as focused on listening to stories and finding creative solutions rather than transactional interactions.
The service operates on a membership basis and offers a wide range of support including transportation, errand-running, senior care consultation, property maintenance, billing assistance, physical therapy, restorative yoga, professional organization, wellness services, meal planning, dietary counseling, and home technology assistance. More information is available at https://www.freedomcarconnect.net.
This expansion represents FreedomCar's strategic move beyond transportation into comprehensive senior support services, reflecting broader demographic trends and the increasing demand for solutions that enable older adults to maintain independence while receiving necessary assistance.