When driving is no longer an option for aging parents or loved ones, finding reliable transportation becomes essential for helping them maintain their independence and stay connected to their community. Here's how to get started:

Assess Transportation Needs

• List regular destinations (medical appointments, grocery store, social activities)

• Note frequency of trips needed

• Consider timing (weekday vs weekend, time of day)

• Identify any mobility requirements (wheelchair access, door-to-door assistance)

Check Insurance Coverage First

• Review Medicare Advantage Plan benefits

• Contact Medicaid office if applicable

• Look into non-emergency medical transportation benefits

• Document coverage details in your tendercare Vault

Explore Local Options

• Public Transit

  • Local bus and rail services

  • Senior/disabled discounts available

  • Accessibility features for mobility devices

• Paratransit Services

  • Door-to-door service for eligible riders

  • Must qualify under ADA guidelines

  • Schedule 24+ hours in advance

• Ride-Hailing Services

  • Uber and Lyft

  • GoGoGrandparent for booking without smartphones

  • Some services offer special assistance

• Volunteer Programs

  • Faith-based organizations

  • Community senior services

  • Door-through-door assistance sometimes available

Find Local Resources

• Contact your Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116)

• Use the Eldercare Locator website

• Dial 211 for community services

• Check with local senior centers

Evaluate Each Option

Ask these key questions:

• What are the service hours?

• How far in advance must rides be booked?

• What's the service area?

• What type of assistance is provided?

• What are the costs and payment methods?

• Are drivers screened and trained?

Organize Essential Information

Use tendercare's Vault to store:

• Insurance cards and ID

• Medical facility addresses

• Emergency contacts

• Mobility equipment details

• Special instructions for drivers

Create a Transportation Schedule

• Match regular appointments with best options

• Set up standing reservations when possible

• Arrange backup transportation plans

• Share schedule with family members through tendercare

• Test the Service

• Book a non-critical trip first

• Note pickup and drop-off experience

• Track reliability and timeliness

• Document any issues or concerns

Remember: At the end of the day, the transportation for aging loved ones or parents needs to be reliable, safe, and something that all parties are bought into. If you’re looking for help on this, or other caregiving responsibilities, tendercare helps you keep all transportation information (and more) organized and easily accessible. Our AI-powered platform makes it simple to support loved ones during this difficult period of transition.

Pro Tips:

• Keep a list of multiple transportation options - don't rely on just one

• Save all important phone numbers in your phone’s contacts AND in the tendercare app

• Consider combining transportation with other support services if needed

• Schedule medical appointments during off-peak transportation times when possible

Related Resources:

• Emergency Transportation Guide

• Managing Medical Appointments