Personal Transportation for Seniors

Independence is an abstraction until it's gone. Then you feel what it means.

Remember the first time you turned on the car on, put it in "D" and took off. To borrow from an old Toyota commercial: Oh what a feeling!

But sometimes the years become unkind to our vision, our perception and our ability to safely operate a car. If it’s time to park it and give up the keys, no doubt you’ll feel a loss of independence.

And if you’re in the unenviable position of confronting a loved one about their driving, we’ll show you ways to do that.

Evaluating a Senior Driver

The following tips were taken from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and AARP. Some of the warning signs that may indicate a driving problem. Does the person:

• Stop at all red lights
• Stop at stop signs and look both ways
• Merge and change lanes safely
• Become easily distracted
• Drive so slow they impede traffic
• Yield the right-of-way
• Respond properly and safely to other cares, pedestrians, motorcycles, bicyclists and road hazards
• Get lost easily
• Drive aggressively
• Experience road rage
• Drive too fast for conditions
• Receive traffic tickets and warning
• Weave in and out of lanes
• Ride the white line frequently
• Not use turn signals
• Not use the mirrors when backing out
• Have new dents or scratches in the car

Talking with a Senior about Their Driving

The NHTSA recommends the following when discussing your loved one’s driving:

• Have your notes written down based on the above observations
• Use reason but be compassionate and allow them to preserve their self-respect
• Empathize and listen to them
• Use “I” messages rather than “You”. For example, “I am concerned about your driving,” versus “You’re driving is very dangerous”
• Let them know you’ve seen changes in their driving
• Remind them that thousands of seniors have to cut back on their driving or make changes to their routine
• Expect there might be a negative reaction. It’s hard to accept and then make a big lifestyle change.
• Let them know there are plenty of transportation options (have them ready; see below) and that the person will not lose their ability to live their life

Transportation Options

Supplemental Transportation Programs(STPs) are “community-based transportation programs that complement or supplement existing transportation services,” according to the AAA Foundation. They provide transit for medical appointments, recreational trips, religious events and a variety of other needs. And they are really an umbrella of many different transit providers.

The STP providers are from a combination of sources including aging-related services, senior centers, social service, faith-based groups, and community volunteers.

Usually STPs are either “no fee”, “flat fee” or “donation.”

Senior Centersoften provide transportation to their site and to other events (field trips) if you’re leaving from their location. Many towns and cities have senior centers funded by local government or private donors. Senior centers are places where seniors can share a meal, socialize, exercise, and engage in activities.

Para-transitservices are usually small buses or vans providing curb-to-curb transportation for those with disabilities or seniors who meet certain requirements. Para-transit services are provided by area aging agencies, public transit, and/or private services. There is usually a small fee for the service. Check your local Area Agency on Aging to find providers.

Escort Servicesare private agencies that proved door-to-door or door-through-door service to seniors. They help the senior get from point A to point B and back and can help with bags and wheel chairs.

Taxisare door-to-door services. Some companies are wheelchair-accessible and some offer vouchers and discounts to seniors.

Volunteer driversoften provide service out of faith-based and nonprofit organizations for medical appointments, shopping and certain other activities.

Medical Transportation Servicesare provided by some hospitals and medical centers to their patients. Home health agencies also sometimes provide transportation.

ITN America(Independent Transportation Network) has paid and volunteer drivers providing door-to-door service 24/7. There’s a $40 membership fee and charge per ride so this is more of a long-term commitment.

Family, friends and neighbors. You may not want to lean on them often, but these folks are great transportation sources.

Summing Up

Giving up your wheels doesn’t mean giving up your independence. For seniors who have traded in their keys for safety reasons, there are dozens of options for getting to the mall, your doctor’s appointment and even your friend’s house.