Transportation can have a significant impact on a senior’s mental and physical health. With sufficient transportation options, seniors can maintain social lives, attend doctor visits, pick up prescriptions, and run other errands. Here are some cost-effective transportation options for aging adults to consider.
1. Ridesharing
Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular transportation apps seniors can use to avoid spending money on gas, car insurance, and a car payment. They can use the apps whenever they have appointments or want to get out of the house. The transportation services provide various options, such as car sharing and solo trips. Teach your elderly loved one how to use the app, including how to request and pay for transportation services. You should also go over essential tips that can prevent your loved one’s health and safety from being compromised.
For your loved one’s long-term needs—including safe, reliable transportation—consider hiring a professional caregiver. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care Tucson, AZ, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Carpooling
If your parent can drive for short amounts of time, he or she should consider carpooling with other seniors in the area. Carpooling can save money and prevent wear and tear on a vehicle, reducing the costs of maintenance and other repairs. To attend group meetings, exercise classes, volunteer programs, or doctor’s appointments, your loved one can carpool with other individuals who are going to the same areas.
3. Local Transit
Riding the public buses or another transit system is often cost-effective and saves some time. Instead of searching for parking spaces, seniors can be dropped off in front of their destination or nearby. Local buses typically operate during the morning and early evening, while rapid transits generally have later hours, depending on the location. To save more money, consider purchasing a monthly pass for the transit system in your loved one’s community. The more rides your loved one buys in advance, the more significant the discount could be.
One great transportation alternative for families is to hire a professional caregiver. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Tucson, AZ, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.
4. Government Transportation Services
Determine if free government resources, including transportation, are available to seniors in your loved one’s community. For example, Medicaid may cover the costs of medical transportation for eligible individuals, which means your loved one could travel to the doctor for free as long as he or she qualifies for this government program. Ask your loved one’s social worker, medical provider, and insurance carrier about free government transportation services.
5. Family Members
Seniors can ask their children, grandchildren, and other family members to transport them to the grocery store, senior center, shopping mall, and various social events. This transportation option gives seniors the chance to bond with their loved ones and get out of the house at the same time.
A trusted professional caregiver can provide your loved one with safe transportation and much more. Tucson home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.