Transportation is a part of everyday life and is largely ignored. Whether you walk, bike, drive, or utilize the various forms of public transportation, the way we get from point “A” to point “B” often goes without much thinking involved. As we grow older, the things we previously took for granted or viewed as “routine” often need a little more attention. We need to be prepared to adapt instead of viewing transportation as an obstacle.
The dangers of driving are often overlooked since millions of people do it every day. But as we age, vision issues – particularly driving in the dark – physical regressions, and other inhibitors make driving more of a risk to not only ourselves and those in our vehicles, but also those in vehicles around us. With great advancements in human technology, these changes do not need to drastically change the way we get around!
For urban residents, being unable to drive may not seem like a big deal since public transportation is readily available. But for those who live in suburban or rural areas, the idea of no longer being able to drive oneself could be scary. Which is why the emergence of alternatives is significant. Apps such as Lyft and Uber have made senior transportation a breeze!
Options to Getting Around Town
Uber and Lyft, while different companies, both offer the same services. By downloading their apps, you simply set up your payment method to the account, type in your preferred destination and confirm! These apps will send drivers to pick you up from your home and take you wherever you need to go.
Essential trips such as grocery shopping, a nice day at the mall, or going out for a nice dinner, Uber and Lyft allow you to continue life as normal. And the best part is, you don’t have to worry about watching the road en route to your destination since somebody else will be driving the car! You can fully unwind and focus on meaningful conversation as you travel.
The concept is very similar to cab services, though much easier to schedule. If you wish to dive into the differences between Uber and Lyft-type services compared to taxi cabs, click here! In conclusion, transportation changes as we age is nothing to fear, and has never been easier!
Please watch for information about our upcoming
Aging At Home Expo in early 2023!
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Would like info about senior non emergency transportation to go from Pea Ridge AR to Rogers, AR for church on Sundays What is the cost?
I’m very sorry Edith, but this is not an area that the AMAC Foundation can assist you with. We are experts in Federal Social Security and Medicare enrollment matters, but we cannot provide you with information about the various types of transportation assistance available to seniors in the individual States. You may wish to contact your local Human Services agency for assistance with your question. If you reside in Arkansas, you can call your State Human Services agency at 1-855-372-1084.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
Hi. How can I get car ride for my elderly mother in Jamaica, NY (for grocery shopping, once a week)?
Good Morning Ehsan,
We are located in Lady Lake, FL, but I have located the following agency online that is located in Jamaica, NY. Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults
Certified ProgramPeople who manage this program have completed training and are certified by findhelp.org. Learn more.
Claimed ProgramThis program has been claimed by Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults and they are helping to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date. Learn more.
Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults is a multi-service social service agency that meets the total needs of each senior as an individual, including their social, cultural, and physical…
Main Servicesnutrition education transportation daily life skills disease screening exercise & fitness help find work support network support groups computer class advocacy & legal aid
Servingseniors
Next Steps:
Call 718-657-6500
0.78 miles ( serves your local area)
92-47 165th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433
Open Now : 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EDT
https://www.findhelp.org/transit/transportation–jamaica-ny
Sharon L. Kleczka
AMAC Foundation
Does Uber or Lyft have an option of Wheelchair accessible travel. Needing to get our grandmother transported from her home in Rural Douglas County Kansas to a care facility in Baldwin City Kansas and Senior Wheels is unavailable.
Kelly
I have attached online links for both UBer and Lyft.
https://www.uber.com/us/en/ride/uberwav/
https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/all/articles/360045782413-Lyft-s-commitment-to-accessibility
The Service is called WAV but is not available in all areas, so it may or not be available in your area.
Sharon Kleczka, Social Security Advisor
AMAC Foundation
http://www.AmacFoundation.org
I belong to AMAC and have a procedure upcoming that I can’t drive afterward and the driver that brings me has to be the driver taking me back home, so he must stay at the hospital and wait with my wife, who can’t drive any more–a period of up to 3 hours would be required–thank you
David:
We’re sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some options you can explore:
– Ride services (Uber, Lyft). As mentioned in the article these types of service are likely available in your area, and are relatively simple to use.
– if your medical procedure is cancer-related, the American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program might be an option available to you. Arrangements can be made by calling 800-227-2345.
– if you are a Veteran, the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (DAV) – Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) may also be an option. Here’s a state-by-state list of available services: https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/vtp/map.asp
– Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is a provide service offering healthcare and transit contracts with state and county governments. They operate in 31 states, and can be reached at (636) 561-5686.
– Americorps Seniors is a volunteer network of volunteers who serve directly with nonprofit organizations to “improve lives, foster civic engagement, and strengthen communities across the country.” Their contact number is(800) 942-2677.
– Medicaid and Medicare, through their Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program provides transportation service nationwide. You can reach them at (800) 633-4227/
These are but a few of the options available. An internet search on the topic “free transportation service for seniors” would likely yield more.
We wish you well with your medical procedure.
Gerry Hafer
AMAC Foundation
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