Do you struggle with providing transportation for your parents or spouse to doctor appointments while you are at work?
This is a great frustration for many and often means even more time off work.
Some suggestions are:
- Family—do you have a family member that is not working or retired? Do you have a teen that is out of school for the
Ask A Friend or Find a Volunteer summer or gets out early in the school year? If there is a family member that is available to take your loved one to their appointments this is the best option.
- Ask a friend—is there a neighbor or friend that lives nearby and could help? Ask them if they would mind and offer to pay enough to cover their gas and maybe even a coffee or small snack for your loved one and the friend while they are out and about.
- Hire a Teenager or Stay At Home Mom—when I was in high school, there was a lady that paid me to drive her to appointments. This was a great way for me to make money and stay out of trouble and it helped her meet a need.
- Facility Buses—if your loved one is in a retirement center or nursing home, they often will provide transportation. You may have to pay, but just it could be a huge help instead of taking off of work. Check with the facility where your loved one stays.
- Local Churches—most churches have buses that provide transportation to and from the church for services. Some churches also have a senior outreach program. Check with area churches to inquire if they have this
Find A Transportation Service for Senior Adults or Dial a Taxi for Senior Adults program or anyone that could provide transportation for you {even if you have to pay}. I recommend starting with the church where your loved one and/or you attend on a regular basis.
- Volunteer Drive Programs—there are local organizations that often have volunteers that provide needed services, such as transportation. Check with your local senior center to inquire about what services are available. Often these reservations need to be made in advance.
- Door to Door Services—I often see escort drivers and services that provide transportation for the elderly on their outings. Again, check your local listings or with the senior center. Often these reservations need to be made in advance.
- Taxicab—you could always hire a taxicab, although this may become costly.
- Some cities have a Dial-A-Ride Program—check to see if your area has this and what the requirements are.
- Public Transit—this is always an option, but depending on your loved ones issues and limitations, please take all issues into consideration before deciding on this option.
- Resource Line—some cities have an Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resource Line that can provide help and guidance. Once again, check in your local area to inquire about what is available.
Join the Conversation: What options do you use for transportation?