< Aging Your Way – Senior Care Resources
Changes in vision, mobility, reaction time, or cognition can make driving unsafe. Planning transportation early helps seniors stay connected, healthy, and independent—even after they stop driving.
Transportation needs often change before other care needs, making this a key part of aging-in-place planning.
Best for seniors with minimal mobility needs who need occasional rides.
Common Uses
- Grocery shopping
- Social activities and senior center programs
- Faith-based events
- Non-medical appointments
Who Typically Provides This Service
- Community or nonprofit organizations
- Volunteer driver programs
- Faith-based groups
- Local aging or senior service organizations
Important Considerations
- Limited days, hours, or service areas
- Advance scheduling often required
- May be low-cost or free
- Drivers may not provide physical assistance
Local Resources
For seniors who cannot safely use standard buses or trains.
Common Uses
- Medical appointments
- Errands and shopping
- Community activities
Who Typically Provides This Service
- Local or regional public transit agencies
- ADA-compliant paratransit programs
Important Considerations
- Eligibility application and approval required
- Trips may be shared with other riders
- Pick-up windows can be long
- Usually curb-to-curb, not door-through-door
Local Resources
Designed specifically for healthcare-related travel.
Common Uses
- Doctor visits
- Dialysis, chemotherapy, or therapy
- Hospital discharge transportation
Who Typically Provides This Service
- Medical transportation providers
- Health plans or Medicaid-contracted services
Important Considerations
- Often covered by Medicaid or insurance
- Typically limited to medical destinations
- Advance scheduling required
- Ask about wheelchair or stretcher capability
Local Resources
For seniors who need flexibility and personal assistance.
Common Uses
- Medical and non-medical appointments
- Social outings, Multi-stop or longer trips
Who Typically Provides This Service
- Private transportation services specializing in older adults
Important Considerations
- Private pay
- Door-to-door or door-through-door assistance may be available
- Ask if drivers stay and escort the rider if needed
- Higher level of reliability and personalization
Local Resources
For seniors with mobility limitations or cognitive impairment.
Common Uses
- Medical care
- Adult day programs
- Memory care or structured programs
Who Typically Provides This Service
- Accessible transportation providers
- Adult day health programs
- Specialized mobility services
Important Considerations
- Confirm wheelchair accessibility
- Ask about driver training for dementia or mobility support
- Clarify how much physical assistance is provided
Local Resources
Transportation bundled with other services.
Common Uses
- Adult day health attendance
- Medical appointments connected to care programs
- Group outings
Who Typically Provides This Service
- Home care agencies
- Adult day programs
- Senior centers
- Housing or residential communities
Important Considerations
- Often limited to enrolled participants
- Fixed schedules and destinations
- May not be available for personal errands
Local Resources
- Is the service door-to-door or curb-to-curb?
- Are vehicles wheelchair accessible?
- Are drivers trained to assist older adults?
- How far in advance must rides be scheduled?
- Can companions ride along?
- What happens if an appointment runs late?
- Is the service covered by insurance, benefits, or subsidies?
- Stopping driving does not mean losing independence.
- Most seniors use a combination of transportation options that change over time based on health, mobility, and lifestyle.
