Caring for a senior loved one can be a challenge, especially when it comes to getting them where they need to go. Your personal schedule is a lot to coordinate already, so throwing in an entire second schedule with mid-day or recurring appointments can add difficulty and inevitably result in scheduling conflicts. Whether it’s for a doctor’s appointment or just to run errands, finding transportation for your loved one when you can’t do it yourself can sometimes be difficult. The good news is, there are lots of resources available to make the process easier for you. Let’s look at some options you have for coordinating rides for seniors: getting your loved one to their medical appointments and beyond.
It’s OK to Ask for Help
If you’re caring for an elderly family member, chances are you’re already doing everything you can to keep them safe and healthy. But if you find yourself struggling to manage transportation for your loved one’s doctor visits, grocery runs, or physical therapy, for example, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are plenty of resources available that can help ease the burden of coordinating rides for seniors.
4 Places To Find A Safe Ride For The Senior In Your Care
There’s bound to be a time when you need help getting your loved one around. Here are 5 places to look for a safe ride for your loved one no matter where you live:
1) Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
NEMT services provide door-to-door transportation that is tailored specifically for elderly patients who may have difficulty traveling independently or need extra assistance getting around. These services usually operate in large cities and may be covered by insurance depending on the nature of the ride and qualifying criteria.
2) Local Volunteers
Many communities have volunteer programs designed specifically to provide rides for seniors in need. Check with your local senior center or church organization; they may be able to connect you with volunteers who can drive seniors safely wherever they need to go.
3) Taxi or Ride Share Services
If your senior loved one is able to travel independently but just needs someone else to drive them, taxi services may be an option worth considering. Many taxi companies offer discounted rates or specialized services designed specifically for seniors who need extra assistance getting around town.
4) Family and Friends
Last but not least, don’t forget about neighbors, family, and friends. Chances are, if you’re caring for an elderly family member, there are other people in your life who want to help out as well. Rides are an easy way for them to get involved, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a hand with coordinating them.
Local Senior Ride Options in California: How to Find Rides Near You
Beyond volunteers and taxis, there are specialized services in every county in California to help with this process. Here are some examples. Please note that this list is not exhaustive – there are likely resources near you that are not mentioned here. If you need assistance, we recommend you contact your county’s local Area Agency on Aging.
Anywhere
- GoGoGrandparent
- Contact your county’s Local Area Agency on Aging
- Check the ElderCare Locator
- iTN America
- Veyo
- Call 211
- Rides in Sight
Northern California
Central California
Southern California
- Los Angeles CityRide
- Los Angeles Access Services
- Los Angeles County New Freedom
- Los Angeles SilverRide
- Orange County Non-emergency Medical Transportation Program
- San Diego Transportation
Closing Thoughts
Coordinating rides for seniors doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming – there are plenty of resources available that can make the process easier. From non-emergency medical transportation services and local volunteer programs, all the way up through taxi services and helpful family and friends – there’s no shortage of options when it comes time to get your loved one where they need to go. So take a deep breath; with some research and planning, getting your elderly family member safely from point A to point B will become second nature before long.
Join our Facebook Group
If you’re looking for a community of caregivers that truly understands what you’re going through. A group you can turn to when you have questions, frustrations, or need advice? Join our California Family Caregivers Facebook group today.
Our California Family Caregivers Facebook group is a safe space for caregivers across different communities in California to speak about their caregiving journey and interact with one another. Join us today.
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