Many aging in place seniors can no longer drive for one reason or another. If an alternative form of reliable transportation isn’t available, they can become socially isolated and face additional challenges like missing doctor’s appointments or not getting to the grocery store. As a result, some of those older adults are eventually forced to give up their freedom and independence. If you have an aging loved one in the Tuscaloosa, AL, area who’s in this situation, here are some safe and reliable transportation options for seniors that will get them where they need to be.

Why Do Seniors Stop Driving?

The aging process itself can bring about physical and mental changes that make driving no longer safe for seniors. Some of the reasons why older adults can no longer drive include:

If your senior lives in Tuscaloosa but you don’t, other potential transportation options for them include trustworthy family members, neighbors and friends. If none of the those are available, it’s time to move on to Plan B.

Keeping Tuscaloosa Seniors Mobile

Older adults who stay active tend to be happier, healthier and live longer. Here are some safe and reliable transportation options for seniors in Tuscaloosa:

Demand Response Services

The Tuscaloosa Transit Authority provides Demand Response bus or van services that are specifically designed for those with physical and/or mental challenges, including the elderly. Here’s how it works:

  • Services are provided by appointment only.
  • To get started, riders must complete an initial application.
  • The cost is $2.00 per passenger each time they board.
  • Personal assistants are available at no additional charge to help passengers, and arrangements can be made by contacting the Demand Response office.

For more information, visit the Tuscaloosa Transit Authority’s website at: www.tuscaloosatransit.com.

FOCUS

Tuscaloosa County residents aged 60-and-above can schedule rides by contacting FOCUS directly. FOCUS provides door-to-door transportation services for seniors using handicapped- accessible vehicles, and escorts are available at no additional charge. The FOCUS program is specifically designed for seniors who have scheduled appointments in the area, and rides can be booked up to 3 months in advance. Although FOCUS is a non-profit organization, they do charge a $2.50 one-way or $5.00 round trip fee to cover fuel and other operating costs.

FOCUS offers senior transportation services to:

  • Doctor appointments
  • Physical therapy
  • Pharmacies
  • Grocery stores
  • Social services offices

To get your senior started with FOCUS, visit their website at: www.focusonseniorcitizens.org.

Ride-Sharing Services Like Lyft

Another option you have is setting your loved one up with a ride-sharing service like Lyft. By downloading the Lyft app on your senior’s mobile device, they can conveniently schedule rides while choosing from two different service levels based on their needs. For billing purposes, you can pre-load your credit card number or PayPal information and Lyft will then notify you on your phone once the services have been provided. Another nice feature is that a picture of the driver is sent to your loved one’s phone before they arrive.

The cost of a ride-sharing service like Lyft varies depending upon whether you are paying by the mile or minute. There are also base fare and service fees included within the cost for each ride. Note: Uber services are currently not available in Tuscaloosa. To learn more about Lyft, visit: www.lyft.com.

Home Care Agencies

There are also home care agencies in Tuscaloosa that offer escorted transportation services for seniors. When choosing the right one, make sure that they are licensed and insured, and that they carefully screen their caregivers first, including criminal and DMV background checks.

Safely Transporting Tuscaloosa Seniors is Our Specialty

Finding dependable transportation for an aging in place loved one can be frustrating. At Seniors Prefer Homecare, safely and reliably transporting Tuscaloosa seniors is one of our specialties. We are a fully licensed and insured agency that carefully screens all our caregivers in advance, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about. In addition to escorted transportation, our highly trained aides can also perform in-home duties like light housework, personal hygiene, meals, medication reminders and companionship.

All our family trusted services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! To read some reviews from our satisfied clients now, or to schedule a FREE, in-home consultation with a Seniors Prefer Homecare specialist for a senior in Tuscaloosa or Huntsville, AL, today, please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com.