Helping your parent make the decision to stop driving can be hard, but choosing a new form of transportation for your loved one doesn’t have to be. Many different transportation services exist. After assessing your parent’s medical condition, financial capability, and other needs, choosing a new way to get from point A to point B is merely a weeding out process.
Public Transportation
The most obvious option is public transportation. If your parent does not have any serious medical conditions, public transportation might be a viable choice. The public transit system is the least expensive of all these options. On average, public transportation would only cost $2 per ride.
Public transportation is also dependable. Seniors can plan their doctor’s appointments or other errands around a bus schedule that rarely changes. Public transportation also has wheelchair and walker accessibility. After finding a bus stop, determining a schedule, and checking wheelchair accommodations, public transportation could be a perfect choice.
Paratransit
Paratransit is similar to public transportation, but it is targeted towards citizens with special needs. Federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Older Americans Act (OAA) guarantee a level of transportation for people with specific needs. Funds are allocated to the states to fund special vans, buses, and other vehicles to transport citizens. Researching your state’s department of transportation would be the first step to choosing this option for your parent.
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare is also a viable option for transportation, as long as your parent is comfortable managing his or her transportation through an app like Uber or Lyft. Both companies ensure that clients with hearing or vision loss will be accommodated.
Your parent can use VoiceOver iOS or Android TallBack if he or she has a vision impairment and audio is not needed to use the app. If your parent has a services dog or uses a wheelchair or walker, these attributes can be added to their profile to notify his or her driver. If your parent requires additional assistance, programs like UberASSIST will pair your parent with a helping hand during their ride. These services are on average $1 to $2 per mile and can be paid by connecting a credit card to an account on the app.
Private Transportation
There are many benefits to using private transportation. Private transportation would allow your parent to schedule transportation according to their schedule. Some companies offer door-to-door assistance for clients who need help walking and getting into vehicles. This option is also more “user-friendly” as most private transportation services are not run through an app, but by phone. With all of its perks, private transportation is the most expensive at $50 per hour at the lowest.
Looking for More Guidance? Call CareFirst Today!
We’re passionate about helping senior citizens enjoy a full quality of life, and we’d love to talk to you about home care options for your aging parent. Contact us today for more information on how we can help!
