Time to Give up Driving? Don’t Worry. Here Are Your Alternatives

Driving after a certain age can become dangerous for drivers and others around them. Our body begins to lose motor control, and our eyesight is weakened. Older people, therefore, should give up steering once they reach a certain age. Healthy aging tips do not just include a good diet and exercise; knowing when to stop driving is also an important tip that most overlook.

Many older adults are reluctant to give up driving because they would find themselves in a crisis whenever they must step out of the house. However, driving to your desired location is not the only option to reach there. You have several other options at hand.

Besides age, physical disability may also put an end to your driving. Thanks to the latest services, you can hire the safest transport systems to visit your doctors and for recreational trips. Many safe wheelchair transportation services will transport you to your destination with utmost safety and care.

If you are wondering what options are available to you now that you can no longer drive yourself, we are here to help you. Let us go through the list of the best alternative transportation for seniors.

• Public Transport

Public transport is the cheapest option available out there. However, it is not always the safest for the elderly, especially for the disabled. Still, if you are fit enough to walk and have an active lifestyle, public transport will suit you the best.

Public transports also have special seats reserved for senior citizens, making it easier to find a seat as soon as you are onboard. And if you live in a place with well-connected public transport, nothing like it.

• NEMT Services

Non-emergency medical transportation is perhaps the best-suited service for the elderly and the disabled. These services have specialized vehicles equipped with safety belts, wheelchairs, and crutches. The experienced and trained staff also perform wheelchair transfers with utmost care. Such services can be used for several purposes like doctor’s appointments, transport home from hospital, and trips. No matter your needs, you can always benefit from this service.

Make sure you elaborate on your conditions and requirements before booking a ride. If you book the service for a parent, make sure you know what would suit them the best. For example, study well about the transport chair vs. wheelchair debate and understand what will suit them the best, and book an appropriate kind of service.

• Family Member or Friends

If you cannot drive, you can always seek help from your family members and friends. They can offer to drive you around. However, if you are wheelchair supported, a regular car may not be your best option. They do not come with enough safety, and it would be difficult to carry your wheelchair around. Moreover, friends and family may not always be available to drive you. Relying on them for all your needs is not always the right option. It is best to inform them beforehand to keep their schedule sorted for the day.

• Hire a Driver

Hiring a driver is also a viable option if you have a car but cannot drive anymore. You can either appoint a full-time driver or hire a driver hourly on days when you need to go out.

Similar Link: Major Tell-Tale Signs that You Need to use Non-Medical Emergency Services

Hiring drivers can be quite expensive as you must also pay for the gas. Drivers do not generally treat your car gently and might depreciate its value sooner than expected. It is also difficult to find good drivers every time you have a doctor’s appointment. It is impossible to do a thorough background check every time and hiring unknown people can expose you to the dangers of rash driving and even theft.

• Book a Cab

If you do not have a car or do not wish to hire drivers, a cab or taxi service is your option. Such services are generally available throughout the state and can take you from one to another. These drivers are more responsible than hired drivers as they are scrutinized by the service they work for. You can report misbehavior or rash driving, and thus they act carefully.

Cab services can, however, cost you a ton of money if the distance is considerably long. In that case, it is not a great idea, and you must think of a better alternative. Moreover, it is not the safest option for patients and the disabled.

Giving up driving does not mean you can no longer step out of the house. The alternatives mentioned above will serve your needs. Choose your perfect option carefully, keeping in mind your safety and budget.