If you or a loved one is no longer able to drive safely, we understand that this transition can be very difficult and overwhelming. The ability to jump into the driver’s seat and drive to and from can be taken for granted. Losing that ability can make you feel isolated and helpless. Routine outings may now feel like big hurdles.
Luckily, there are plenty of driving services in Austin that can assist. Below we are diving into all the details of services that can help non-drivers feel relatively independent.
Ride Hailing Services: Lyft and Uber
How It Works
Anyone with a smartphone can download the Lyft and Uber apps. By creating an account and connecting a payment method, you are able to call a car to and from specific locations. And if a loved one does not have a smartphone or is not comfortable with using the apps, someone else can remotely order a ride for them.
Who Is Eligible
Anyone with access to a smartphone. While the price of the ride will vary each time, the great part of using ride hailing apps is that you do not need to commit to a route schedule since you can call a car whenever needed.
Austin Parks & Recreation Senior Transportation Program
Senior Transportation is part of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s Senior Programs Division. The goal of the program is to enhance the quality of life and promote independence for persons 60 years or older residing within Austin city limits.
How It Works
Services are provided Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Clients can request a ride through an intake form 30 days in advance and will receive a confirmation one business day prior to the request. Drivers provide curb to curb service and assistance when needed and the following options for services:
- Regular routes/lunch program provides reliable service from your door to nearest congregate meal lunch locations and back home again.
- Reserve-a-ride is a door-to-door service to/from requested destinations within the Austin city limits.
- Group travel is for a minimum of seven riders and is a group excursion/field trip travel to destinations within the Austin city limits.
Who Is Eligible
Residents within the Austin city limits who are 60 years of age or older. Learn more about the program and how you can request a ride.
Elderwheels
Elderwheels is a premium private pay service and was created to fill gaps between healthcare, senior services and what you actually need.
How It Works
Specializing in transport, Elderwheels is available seven days a week and offers pickup service at $48 per hour. A minivan with wheelchair access is driven by an experienced team to help get you to and from your needed destination. Elderwheels offers the following options for its clients:
- Option one is for those that are independent with their mobility and only need transport or have someone to go with them. This option is best for quicker appointments since the van will wait outside.
- Option two is a staggered dropoff with other clients. This option is less costly but requires some waiting for the van to come back after dropping off/picking up other clients.
- Option three is for special appointments that typically last over an hour and a half like dialysis, infusions, chemo, surgeries, procedures, imaging, and banking or legal meetings. The Elderwheels team can help with check in and will then return at a designated time when the appointment is finished.
Who Is Eligible
Anyone within the Austin area. There are no age limits or restrictions on who can use Elderwheels services. For those interested in using Elderwheels, call or text 512-779-8383.
Drive a Senior ATX
The caregiving group, Drive a Senior ATX, wants to enable older adults to live independently, avoid social isolation by providing free, volunteer-based transportation and other support services.
How It Works
Drive A Senior ATX provides free rides for seniors who qualify for the program. By signing up, becoming a client and scheduling rides ahead of time, seniors can take advantage of the program. The rides are concentrated around medical and health-related travel, but the program also has vans in most regions that travel to grocery stores, banks, pharmacies and other places that help make the lives of homebound seniors a little easier. Drive A Senior also offers more than just a ride, including home and yard maintenance, friendly visits and calls, and technology training.
Who Is Eligible
To become a Drive A Senior ATX client you must be 60 years of age or older, live in your own home or with a relative, and be able to get in and out of a vehicle with little assistance. If you qualify, request to become a client.
Assisting Hands Home Care In West Austin Takes Care Of You
As a team of dedicated personal care assistants, we provide limited transportation options for our clients. If you are a current client interested in learning more about the transportation services provided by Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin, or about any of our other many services, please call us 512-999-7379 or use the chat feature on our website.
