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I’m not really a “caregiver” anymore as my wonderful husband passed away about 18 months ago.  But I did care for him for almost 2 years. He had a bad fall straight backward on the sidewalk and got blood on his brain. Now I am living alone and “caregiving” myself. I just got out of the hospital and was diagnosed with heart failure. My daughter is coming in from Oregon today to help me out for a week. I am still driving (78 years old) but am considering giving up my car. I am wondering if there are any transportation resources for the older people who need to go to drs appts, etc., but don’t drive. It’s very expensive to keep a car for 2-3 trips a week. What do other Seniors due for transportation?

Might be time to look into moving into as assisted living facility, as they have their own transportation to take folks where they need to go, plus you'll have eyes on you to make sure you're doing ok while living there.
Also your daughter won't have to worry about you living at home alone anymore, which will give her great peace of mind.
Might be a good idea that the 2 of you check out some places while your daughters here for the week.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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Your County should have an Office of Aging. They may supply a Senior bus to get you to appts and shopping. There is a small charge. Our Senior bus even has outings. They may sent someone to your home to tell you what resources are out there for you.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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There are Ride Share options you can use (Lyft, Uber and others)
There are Cabs/Taxi in some areas
Some communities have Public transportation and some will offer Door to Door pick up. Rides generally have to be arranged in advance
My community has a very active Senior Volunteer program that can provide transportation. Again rides have to be arranged in advance so they can get a Volunteer.

Contact your local Senior Center and ask what programs are available in your area.

And lastly one more thought.
Have you thought about moving to a CCC? That is a Continuing Care Community.
You can live Independently if you need no help. If you begin to require help the move to Assisted Living is available in the same community. If you need more care there is generally Memory Care and Skilled Nursing as well.
These Communities are not inexpensive but there is peace of mind knowing that the care is there if you need it. And they will provide transportation to doctor visits, stores and they often have trips and outing they arrange.
Another advantage to these, that might make them less expensive than they seem right away is you will not have many of the bills you now have. No gas bill, electric bill, no property taxes, no garbage bill, water bill. And in most cases all your meals are included so no food expenses unless you chose to make some meals yourself.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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This is totally irrelevant, but in Australia where I am, “transportation” means how the original convicts got here from London. My surprise might perhaps give you a smile!
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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CaringWifeAZ Aug 3, 2026
Lol.
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You can call medicare or your medicare supplement plan and ask them about their transportation services for doctor appointments and pharmacy services. Also, the medical facility that you go to for appointments, may offer transportation services as well. If you have a local bus service, they should have a shuttle or small bus service that transports seniors and people with disabilities.
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Reply to Seekerone
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I hope you feel better soon!
Are there Uber and similar services in your area? A regular cab company might be a possibility,too.
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Reply to Rosered6
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Visit Independant living. Rent covers meals, some cleaning, laundry, some transportation and social activities. Plus there will be an extra set of eyes on you. When your daughter visits, plan on checking out a couple.
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Reply to MACinCT
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Call you county/city about elder services. Our county gives one free transport a month to a doctor appointment.

Set up an uber account. It is easy.

Share a ride with a neighbor. Pay for the gas.
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Reply to brandee
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Many seniors eventually reach a point where owning a car no longer makes financial or practical sense, and there are often good alternatives. Local senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging, community organizations, and some faith-based groups frequently offer low-cost or free transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential destinations. Some Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans also include non-emergency medical transportation benefits.

Many older adults combine these community services with help from family, friends, neighbors, or ride-sharing services when needed. Before giving up your car, compare the yearly costs of insurance, maintenance, registration, fuel, and repairs with the cost of using transportation services a few times each week. For many seniors, it turns out to be more affordable and far less stressful.

Since you've recently been diagnosed with heart failure, it's also worth discussing driving safety with your healthcare provider while you recover. I hope your daughter can help you explore the transportation resources available in your community. You're certainly not the only person facing this transition, and many seniors continue to live independently without owning a car by using a combination of local transportation options and support from others.
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Reply to designhomecare
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Have your daughter help you set up an account with a ride share service such as Lyft or Uber and show you how to use it.

If you're not already, learn to order things you need, like groceries and household items online and have them delivered.

There are medical transportation services which will take you to doctor appointments. Call the number on your insurance card (Medicare) and ask if there is a service in your area which is contracted with your insurance provider.

The Area Agency on Aging may be able to give you some resources. Ask if there are any volunteer medical transport drivers. There are many volunteer groups which provide rides as well as loan medical equipment and mobility aids.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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