The older you get, the more you have to think about day-to-day transportation. And whether your parents are the ones moving toward their golden years or you're getting there yourself, it's good to know what's out there. No one should let the natural process of aging keep them from leaving home and living their life to the fullest. If health issues have limited someone's ability to drive later in life that doesn't mean they should stop exploring and socializing in their twilight years, and believe us — there are plenty of transportation options to make that happen.
Rideshares
The modern age has given us a lot of new ways to get around. Through rideshare applications like Lyft and Uber, you can order a car right on your smartphone. But maybe you like to keep it simple with a flip phone — thanks to GoGoGrandparent, you can still call a car simply by dialing a number and hitting a few buttons. We even have a partnership with Lyft in Front Range and Billings that SCL Health patients might be able to qualify for.
Paratransit
Do you have limited mobility? If so, you might want to take advantage of paratransit. It's a handy-dandy system that offers more flexibility than your average bus stop, and can better accommodate wheelchairs. If you're thinking this might be the right fit, first make sure you qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act. To get the inside scoop on those qualifications and how to apply, go here.
Public Transit
If you're a bus rider, you're in luck! Most cities offer a substantial senior discount for public transportation. They make it easy to hop on a bus, tram or train and get where you want to go. In fact, some cities even have programs built around group outings, so a large number of seniors can board and receive even greater discounts.
Residential Services
Most of the time, living in a care facility comes as a sort of package deal. Assisted living communities usually offer rides in vans to and from wherever you need to go: the salon, the grocery store, to see your kids — it isn't limited to medical visits. The beauty of this is the freedom, and the fact that it's usually included in the price of living there. Here's a bit more information on this option if you're interested.
Insurance-Covered Rides
One might argue that the best transportation is free, so if your insurance covers your ride — go for it. This obviously varies from provider to provider, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation (scheduled doctor appointments and such) through companies like Veyo, and Medicare covers emergency medical transport (911-worthy). So contact your insurance company to see if your plan covers your needs.
Keep the Benefits Rolling
If you're looking for another convenient resource to find senior benefits in your area (beyond just transportation), check out benefitscheckup.org. Simply plug in your zip code and start exploring everything your community has to offer!
