One of the biggest challenges facing Huntsville residents aged 65-and-over is getting around town when they have health issues that keep them from driving. But it’s so important for aging in place seniors to have affordable and readily accessible transportation opportunities available to them so they can run errands, get to the doctor and socialize with others. Fortunately, there are several reliable and affordable transportation options in the Huntsville area that can help keep seniors happier, healthier and more independent.

Seniors Face these Transportation Challenges

According to the National Caregivers Library, more than 8 million elderly Americans struggle with transportation challenges because of:

  • Driving restrictions. Safely operating a motor vehicle requires good vision, flexibility and quick reflexes, all of which can be diminished by the aging process.
  • Logistics. Once an elderly person has turned in their car keys for good, they usually rely on public transportation. But if they live too far away from public transportation routes, that makes getting around exceedingly difficult.
  • Mobility. Boarding a bus, negotiating hills or crossing a busy street can all be dangerous for someone who uses a walker, scooter or wheelchair to get to their destination.
  • Scheduling. Most older people like to schedule their appointments during the day to avoid rush hour periods, but that’s when most of their family members are working or public transportation services are limited.

Transporting Seniors Around Huntsville

If you’re looking after an elderly loved one who lives in Huntsville, here are some of the reliable ways to get them around the city:

Huntsville Transit

The city of Huntsville offers shuttle bus services for all residents, including discounted rates of .50 per one-way ride for those aged 65-and-over. The Huntsville Transit system also provides special Handi-Ride Paratransit shuttles for persons who:

  • Have a disability that makes it difficult for them to ride a regular city bus and who also live within 3/4 mile of a shuttle bus route
  • Are over the age of 65 who also do not live near a bus route

Handi-Ride services can be scheduled in advance once a completed application is filed with the Department of Parking & Public Transportation, and the cost is $2.00 per one-way trip. For seniors with more serious mobility issues, there are also Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) available that can assist riders with their communication, personal care, mobility, language translation and eating needs at no additional charge. It should be noted on the initial Handi-Ride application that PCA services might be needed in the future, and certain restrictions do apply.

For more information about the public transportation services offered by Huntsville Transit, you can call 256-427-6857, or visit: www.huntsvilleal.gov.

Uber and Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft provide ride-sharing services in the Huntsville area. Each company offers two different service levels depending upon the size of vehicle that’s desired, and if your senior is more tech-savvy you can simply download the handy Uber or Lyft app to their mobile device. Once that’s done, your loved one can conveniently schedule a ride when needed, and for added security a picture of the driver will be sent to their phone in advance.

You can also set up their Uber or Lyft account so that you will also be notified whenever the ride-sharing service is used and then conveniently make payments so that your senior doesn’t have to. For more information about ride-sharing services in Huntsville, visit: www.huntsville.org.

Private Caregivers

For a fee, most private home care agencies in Huntsville also provide escorted transportation services for seniors. Look for agencies that are licensed and insured, and that also perform criminal and driving background checks on their caregivers before hiring them.

Safe & Reliable Transportation for Seniors in Alabama

Finding safe and reliable transportation for an aging in place senior in Huntsville can be confusing. Put your mind at ease by contacting Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured agency, we carefully screen and train all our caregivers beforehand. In addition to escorted transportation, while serving as an extended family in your loved one’s home our compassionate aides can also perform duties like light housekeeping, personal hygiene, meals, medication reminders and companionship.

And, for your added convenience, all our family trusted home care services can be individually combined into an affordable package when and where you need them! To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare now, or to schedule a FREE in-home consultation for a senior in Huntsville or Tuscaloosa, AL, today, please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com.