There comes a time in every person’s life when they have to think carefully about whether they should still be driving. Giving up this part of your life can be difficult, as the ability to drive is often tied up in a sense of independence and freedom. Eventually, everyone has to think about the alternatives available to them. These are our favourite transport options for the elderly:
Local buses
Perhaps the most popular method of transport for the elderly is the local bus service. Bus drivers are trained to offer additional support and time to those who need it, so you can be confident taking the bus will be less stressful. Buses are also adapted for wheelchair access, so you don’t have to worry about being left behind. And finally, elderly people will also enjoy free travel over the age of 60.
Local and national trains
For longer travel plans, it could be beneficial to consider taking the train. You will be able to request assistance to get on the train and off the train, and this should be provided where possible. You might need to check ahead to make sure the departure and arrival station is full accessible.
Taxi services
If you need to go somewhere that isn’t on your local bus network, the next best option would be to take a taxi. There are online app taxi services available that would allow someone else to book and pay for the taxi for you. You could also call a local taxi company to book your taxi the traditional way. While some taxi services offer support for those with limited mobility, this will all depend on the driver.
Specialist transport
Some social clubs or community outreach programmes will offer free transport for the elderly. This could be a one-off service to help individuals to attend a special event, or it could be a regular service to help individuals to attend a social gathering such as a social picnic or common interest group. Your GP and your local elderly care services support group may be able to point you in the right direction.
Live-in care provider
When you have a live-in carer, you can keep your care and simply add your carer to the insurance. It’s possible to request a live-in carer with a full, clean licence for this exact purpose. This will give you the greatest flexibility in terms of being able to get exactly where you want to go without having to stick to a bus or train schedule. It’s also helpful if you already own a vehicle that is adapted to your accessibility needs. If you’re not ready to give up your car just yet, this is an excellent option that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Item delivery
If you need to get out and about to go to the shops, you could consider having the items delivered to you to save you the trip. Most supermarkets offer a delivery service and many delivery drivers will be happy to bring your shopping inside, provided there is easy access.
This can be a lot less stressful, as you can think carefully about what you want to buy and then have the items delivered directly to your door. Most elderly people find this far better than facing the chaos of their local supermarket. While this isn’t a replacement for all transport requirements, it can help to remove one item from your to-do list and lighten the load.
Final thoughts on transport options for the elderly
It is essential for elderly people to be able to get out and about, even after they can no longer drive for themselves. If you are concerned about travelling, you could order a sunflower lanyard which is a signal to those around you that you might need a little extra support and a little extra time.
One of the best solutions for the elderly is to arrange live-in care. This will allow you to still access your care and get around on your own schedule, without the need to actually drive yourself. This is just one of the many perks of live-in care that could transform your life for the better.
If you’re curious about live-in care and how it could help you, get in touch with our team today. We can arrange an initial consultation so you can find out more about live-in care arrangements and we can learn more about you and your needs.
