Safe & Effective Transportation for Seniors
After she retired, Mabel moved into her dream home in the country, far from the hustle and bustle of the city where she'd lived and worked. But, as her vision worsened, her adult children convinced her to stop driving. After she gave up the car, she found herself feeling isolated and lonely. It was hard to get to doctor appointments and her volunteer work. Amidst her protests, her family assured her, "Just let us know where you want to go and we'll give you a ride!" But they soon realized they hadn't anticipated just how many rides Mabel would need!
Who knows more about what older adults need than the Eldercare Locator, the government helpline seniors and family caregivers can call to find support resources? You might think that assistance with housing, food programs and health services would be the most pressing needs. But Eldercare Locator experts report that they receive more inquiries about transportation than any other topic! Callers need help getting to routine medical appointments, the grocery store, and locations where they remain active in their community.
With more than one in five Americans older than age 65 not driving, transportation was the greatest need they had and demand for transportation is steadily increasing as the boomer population continues to grow. Given that 600,000 people stop driving every year, there is no end to the challenge in sight."
Getting out and about is so important for senior health and well-being! But the changes of aging — vision and hearing loss, reduced manual dexterity and memory problems, along with the effects of many common health conditions — can make it unsafe for older adults to drive.
As they face this problem, some seniors decide to move to a senior living community that offers transportation services. But most prefer to stay in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own homes.
Unfortunately, some older adults continue to drive themselves where they want to go, even when it isn’t safe for them to do so. Others rely on family and friends for a ride. These family caregivers can find it challenging when they're called upon to serve as their loved one's transit company! Family caregivers play a pivotal role in helping older adults meet their transportation needs and most are happy to help, but they find providing or arranging rides to be extremely time-consuming. Sometimes family caregivers spend five to 10 hours or more each week transporting their loved one, and most say this task feels overwhelming.
Building awareness of senior transportation options
Fortunately, there are other options:
Public transportation. Many communities have robust public transportation systems, with buses and/or rapid transit such as light rail and subways. Most offer discounted senior fares. However, only 15% of older adults use these services, often because they find it daunting, or fear they'll be unsafe.
Senior transit. When regular public transit is unavailable or inaccessible for a senior with physical or cognitive challenges, check out senior transport services such as scheduled paratransit vans and door-to-door "dial-a-ride" services with driver assistance. (Some are staffed by volunteers, if you're looking for an opportunity to give back to older adults in the community.) Yet, many seniors are unaware of these programs. Be sure to contact your local senior services department to learn more.
Taxicabs. One disadvantage of senior transportation services is that they can be relatively inflexible. Passengers usually have to schedule rides in advance, and they might have to wait quite a while for their van to arrive. Taxicabs can be a more convenient option. They can be pricey, but your community may offer discount coupons for seniors who qualify.
Ride-hailing services. More older adults these days are using app-driven services such as Uber and Lyft. They are usually less expensive than traditional cab service, though also perhaps a bit less safe and reliable. These companies usually require users to master a smartphone app. In some communities, ride-hailing programs, especially for seniors, are available. Please note, that doctors, hospitals and out-patient clinics will not allow a senior to be picked up by Uber, Lift or Taxi after having a medical procedure.
Professional in-home care. If your family uses home care to keep a loved one safe at home, don't forget that caregivers can provide transportation. Make getting out and about part of your loved one's routine. and the ride is only the beginning. An Uber driver isn't going to sit in the doctor's waiting room with your loved one or assist them to the restroom. Seniors who hesitate to be active in the community can feel empowered by a caregiver's steadying arm. Talk to a reputable home care agency about your options. It's important to choose an agency that is licensed by the State and that screens, trains and supervises their caregivers. This provides peace of mind for seniors and families alike. How nice to call Mom and hear that the caregiver took her to her weekly book club!
With all the transportation options that are available for seniors today, the inability to drive shouldn't be a barrier to the highest possible quality of life. Caring Companions At Home provides transportation to seniors by providing them with insured drivers and caregivers.
