Getting behind the wheel is a privilege, one that can be taken away when older people are no longer able to drive safely. When seniors give up their keys, getting around may seem like a challenge. However, aging adults are presented with numerous reliable transportation options.

Driving ability differs from senior to senior. Some physically and cognitively healthy individuals are able to safely drive even into their 80s, while others develop cognitive decline early on and must relinquish their right to drive far sooner. Regardless, safety on the road is a priority for everyone.

The best way for older adults to keep themselves and others safe on the road is to utilize alternative means of transportation. Local transportation options are available in the majority of communities, preventing seniors from becoming homebound and socially isolated.

1. Take Public Transportation

Public transportation is an obvious choice for healthy older adults who live in large cities, like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, or New York City. Urban seniors should be physically fit to climb the stairs up to the train station or onto the bus.

Paying a small bus or train fare is affordable for seniors living on a fixed income. Using the bus or train is also quick and convenient, especially for older people who know their way around the city. The availability of various public transportation gives seniors a welcome sense of independence.

Seniors with a disability and who use a wheelchair are supported since public buses feature wheelchair lifts and trains have wheelchair-accessible car. However, seniors must wait outside for the bus or train, which can be a hazardous drawback depending on weather conditions.

2. Order Ride-Hailing Services

Uber and Lyft provide transportation to anyone who can order a ride with a smartphone. Tech-savvy seniors benefit most, since they can hire a driver at any time on the Uber or Lyft app. Older adults can alternatively ask a neighbor or family member to order the ride.

Ride-hailing vehicles can be accessible to senior citizens, and services that cater to the older population are continually being added. While the app shows the driver’s name and license plate, a different driver may arrive with each order—which can impact the quality of service.

3. Contact Volunteer Driver Programs

Lists of volunteer drivers may be available from local nonprofits. Volunteers provide door-to-door transportation, which is ideal for seniors who must complete errands or travel to appointments. Due to the small number of passengers, volunteers assist the elderly from the door to the vehicle.

Since volunteers provide the rides, these services are free to older adults. While providing necessary transportation, volunteer driver programs doubly serve as a social outlet. A possible drawback, however, could be the limited availability of volunteer drivers within a community.

4. Schedule Senior Living Transportation

 

Older adults residing within a senior living community have access to its transportation services. The costs for the rides are included in the senior living community’s monthly fees. The availability of handicap-accessible buses gives wheelchair users a reliable transportation option.

Utilizing senior living transportation requires booking a ride in advance. While the bus driver assists elderly passengers with entering and exiting the vehicle, one-on-one support throughout the duration of a doctor’s appointment, shopping trip, or other type of outing is not provided.

5. Use NEMT Program

The Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Program serves Medicaid beneficiaries. Seniors receive transportation assistance to and from medical and dental appointments, physical or occupational therapies, tests, and other healthcare-related visits. The elderly can utilize it to attend senior group exercise programs and classes.

The fees for transportation to medical appointments are relatively small or nonexistent. However, as a part of the Medicaid program, NEMT services are included in certain provider networks, which vary. Consequently, seniors may be picked up late or available transportation may be scarce.

6. Hire Senior Home Care Transportation

Possibly one the highest valued forms of transportation for seniors is provided by professional caregivers. Home care agencies are staffed with dedicated caregivers who are available to drive the senior to a number of locations, from doctor’s appointments to the grocery store and senior center.

Elderly care recipients prefer rides provided by home care professionals because the same caregiver provides the rides. Rapport is often built between the senior and caregiver, and the ride becomes not only convenient but a pleasant social interaction. Seniors look forward to rides from their caregivers.

Strong bonds are built between the professional caregiver and the care recipient since the former is usually hired to also provide in-home support with the activities of daily living. Due to the existing relationship, getting around town is a far more enjoyable experience.

Access to reliable transportation is vital to the health and well-being of older adults. Seniors must travel to doctors’ appointments, stores to buy food, and stay connected with friends and family in their community. Assisting Hands Home Care provides reliable senior transportation services.

Transportation services from our reputable senior home care agency are prized by older adults in our care. The elderly are able to attend faith services, enjoy recreational activities and visit the doctor. Professional caregivers also make it easy for seniors to attend social and family gatherings.

Errands are a piece of cake with transportation from Assisting Hands Home Care. Seniors are offered the choice to conduct errands with a caregiver by their side or wait at home while the professional completes the errand. Plus, our caregivers support the senior throughout the outing.

Families and their elderly loved ones experience peace of mind knowing our drivers possess excellent driving records and auto insurance. A customized transportation schedule can be created to ensure seniors attend every social event, doctor’s appointment, therapy session, and exercise class.

When the issue of transportation pops up in your family, choose Assisting Hands Home Care. Our dependable drivers are available to fulfill the transportation needs of the senior in your life. We are available to seniors in Westlake, North Ridgeville, North Olmsted, Ohio, and the nearby areas. Call today at  (440) 517-4623 to schedule a free consult.