Affordable transportation services for seniors are critical to helping them manage health and independence. Realistically, the elderly are not capable of staying in their homes alone as they age if there are no reliable transportation options to go get household supplies or to doctor’s appointments.
Those who do not drive also experience social isolation, leading to poorer quality of life and possibly earlier death. We have curated a list of 5 local transportation options to help the elderly get around and stay active.
County Public Transportation Services
In the US, most counties provide low-cost or free public transportation services for the elderly who travel door to door. You can call your county’s Area Agency on Aging to find out about these programs. Alternatively, the ElderCareLocator is another method for you to learn about local government transportation programs – simply enter the specific zip code in the search box.
GoGoGrandparent
For the uninitiated, GoGoGrandparent is a concierge service that can link you up with ride services like Uber and Lyft. Such services send a car to your location within minutes.
Target audience: Elderly who do not require assistance to enter and get out of a car.
Price: The on-demand ride charges a regular fare, and the concierge service charges an additional fee. Fares of on-demand rides vary but are lesser than taxi rates, generally.
How it works:
- Call the toll-free number using any touch-tone phone to arrange a ride
- Live operators are available around the clock
- Drivers are screened and rides are monitored for safety reasons
- Family members will be given notifications about the ride via text message
- Foldable wheelchairs and walkers are not an issue
Lyft
Lyft is another on-demand ride service that works similarly.
Target audience: Elderly who are independent and comfortable using smartphone apps. They should be able to enter and get out of cars without assistance.
Price: Rates vary but are typically lower than taxi rates.
How it works:
- Download the Lyft App on your smartphone and register yourself
- Book a ride using the app and automatically pay your fares by credit card
- There is a concierge service available through partners of Lyft, like health organizations and assisted living communities. No smartphone is required.
iTNAmerica
iTNAmerica is a platform that offers door-through-door transportation through a network of ride services for the elderly. Although the number of locations is limited, it is still an excellent alternative if it’s available in your location.
Target audience: Elderly who require help getting in and out of a car and through the door to their destinations
Price: Affordable rates, but pricing changes according to the local affiliate.
How it works: Give local offices a call to schedule rides or get more information.
Veyo
Veyo works together with health facilities and insurance companies to offer non-emergency medical transportation that is regarded as an insurance benefit.
Target audience: Elderly who require transportation to clinic or hospital appointments and those who rely on special vehicles to accommodate stretchers or wheelchairs.
Price: The service is free-of-charge if the insurance organization provides Veyo as a transportation benefit.
How it works:
- Check your insurance policies to learn if Veyo is one of the transportation benefits you can enjoy – they will arrange rides for you if you are entitled to the benefits
- You or your caregiver cannot sign up for the service – the only party who can arrange rides for you is a health organization partner
