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?
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.
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.
Are there Uber and similar services in your area? A regular cab company might be a possibility,too.
Set up an uber account. It is easy.
Share a ride with a neighbor. Pay for the gas.
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.
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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