It might be surprising to know that one-half of Americans who are older than 65, do not have direct access to transportation. The non-drivers stay at home, being isolated because they do not know their transportation options. Transportation Options for the Elderly and Disabled are improved a lot nowadays.
The process involved in finding the right transportation can be quite hectic and frustrating. To get the best results, it is suggested that an adult child, a caretaker, or a social worker helps the seniors in their life by finding the best fit for them. It involves several factors such as the eligibility criteria, pick-up locations, routes, hours of operation, and wheelchair accessibility access (in case of disability).
Keeping in view the importance for seniors to remain mobile, meet their friends or family, shop for basic necessities and meet the doctor’s appointments, we have listed a number of affordable options that are safe, accessible, and convenient.
When Should a Senior Stop Driving?
Getting older does not mean that you should stop driving immediately, however it is a good practice to monitor your driving abilities. A point comes where you can encounter slowed reflexes and deteriorated vision, making driving unsafe for you and others. People suffering from dementia or memory-related issues can get into fatal crashes.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has reported that fatal crashes per mile increase at the age of 70, and are at a peak at the age of 85. One must assess their driving abilities from time to time to stay safe.
Transportation Services for the Elderly and Disabled
It is always appreciated that a caregiver provides a ride to elderly people. When you cannot give them a ride, finding an alternative solution for them is the way to go. You can discover elderly transportation services that can lessen your burden and help your loved ones to stay socially connected through research.
Common Senior Citizen Transportation
For seniors looking for convenient and reliable transportation options, using ridesharing apps is a great solution. With just a few taps on their smartphones, they can schedule a ride to their desired destination in no time. However, for those who prefer a more independent mode of transportation, portable scooters are an excellent choice.
Others may also schedule rides for the seniors in their life by:
Uber
- Smartphone app
- Website: https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/
- UberWav – Wheelchair accessible (where available): https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/uberwav/
- If wheelchair-accessible options are available, “UberWav” will be listed in the “ride type” options when you schedule your ride. Please check the link above for more information.
- How To request Uber Ride for someone else: https://help.uber.com/riders/article/someone-else-booked-me-a-ride?nodeId=d63ecb54-8fd9-48f1-9f3f-e75f4ed2d502
Lyft
- Smartphone app
- Website: https://www.lyft.com
- LyftWav – wheelchair accessible (where available): https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/all/articles/115013081668-WAV-rides
- Lyft may also offer wheelchair accessible ride options in your area. To figure out how to access this option (if available), check the link above for instructions and more information.
- How To request Uber Ride for someone else: https://help.lyft.com/hc/e/all/articles/115013079988-How-to-request-a-ride#rides4
Public Transportation
Mainly, public transportation is funded by the state or local governments. They have a fixed route and schedule and offer discounted fares for older people and people with disabilities.
Some good public transportation options include:
- Buses
- Ferries
- Subways
- Rails
- Shuttles
- Trams
Public transit options heavily depend on where you live. Based on your location you may or may not get a number of options at a relatively low cost. If you are residing in cities like Chicago or New York, bingo! But if you are living somewhere in Los Angeles or Atlanta, you might not find many options.
In areas where local transportation services are not very efficient, reaching your destination can take a long time. Some seniors, due to their limited mobility, cannot reach the nearest bus stop or train station in the first place. If you have difficulty navigating stairs or waiting outside the stops, this option is not for you.
Paratransit
Paratransit covers the same routes during the same hours comparable to the public transit agencies. The riders should meet eligibility criteria and the ride should be booked a day in advance.
Paratransit vehicles can be cabs or buses that are also equipped to handle wheelchairs. These are more flexible in their stops and can also pick up the passengers from their homes.
Once you have qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which includes showing your mobility issues preventing you from taking regular public transit, you can travel easily. The qualification requires you to answer:
- The type of your disability
- Level of your mobility and functionality
- Obstacles stopping you from reaching the public transit
- Environmental factors
Demand response
Demand response or dial-a-ride is another ride-sharing service that carries different passengers. The passengers book the ride individually with different pickup points and destinations. You need to make an online reservation or call them 24 hours in advance to avail of the service.
Medical transportation options
Finding transportation for day-to-day tasks such as visiting a friend or doing groceries is another thing. But when it comes to going to a doctor, relying on public transport might not be a good option. Many agencies offer senior medical transportation to help you travel easily.
Insurance covered transportation
Based on your insurance, you might have certain medical transportation options that you do not know about. In this case, you will get a car, van, or any other vehicle to pick you up from your home. There is a limitation on the number of rides you can take per month. To find out the options for rides to medical appointments for seniors, contact the insurance provider and ask how to use them.
You can also get an ambulance in some non-emergency situations if your doctor has suggested any other forms of transportation as a danger to your health.
How do the elderly get transportation?
You might not be able to find all the information from one source. However, many public or private transit options have created one-call or one-click options to help people find and book transportation services.
You can follow a series of steps to find transportation by yourself or with the help of a caretaker:
- You can use the eldercare locator. The website is operated by the federal government. You can contact them via phone at 800-677-1116.
- Dial 211 to get the information and referrals for health and social services for the elderly and disabled people. It is available in 50 states in the US.
- Find yourself a mobility manager that will help individuals to navigate the range of transportation options in their area. Public transportation services can get you in touch with the mobility manager if one works in your area.
Not all transit options are equal, therefore before using a service you must ask them about their eligibility, availability, schedule, accommodation, and costs.
