How to get free Transportation services for elders and disabled people – Affordable public and private transportation options exist for seniors who are unable to drive. But finding, understanding, and utilizing these services is not as straight-forward as one would hope. And, unfortunately, the process can be time-consuming and frustrating. It often works best when an adult child, social worker, or other loved one takes on the responsibility of researching services, registering the senior, and teaching him or her the processes involved in scheduling and using the transportation service. Bear in mind, there are many aspects to consider, such as eligibility criteria, pick-up locations, hours of operation, routes, wheelchair accessibility access, and the purpose of the trip. It is advisable that the elderly rider have a Smartphone and be comfortable with its operation, not just for communication, but also for ride coordination and to allow a loved one to track the rider’s location should a trip not go as planned.
There is no fixed maximum age limit to driving, but driving for some citizens who are already their seniors might be burdensome and even unsafe. If you or your elderly loved one are not already fully capable of driving, do not hesitate to subscribe to trusted service providers of private transportation for seniors. However, this is not always the case as one-half of Americans who are 65 years and above cannot access public transport. In fact, those who cannot drive themselves have to remain at home since they are short of transport options. Seniors residing in rural areas are greatly affected as transport options are very limited. The good news is that there are transport programs to ensure these seniors are able to travel from one location to another more conveniently. In this article, we shall take a closer look at these programs and other facets so that you can know them better. Private vehicles dedicated to the transportation for elderly and disabled can already be considered a necessity. Having the means and modes to travel is important in keeping our elder loved ones mobile, lessening the threats of feeling socially isolated, and thus maintaining the healthy social welfare of senior citizens.
Although it is not a popular topic, senior citizens transportation should be discussed as it poses problematic situations for the years to come. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, older drivers are more likely at fault than younger ones when involved in an accident. From this, it can be inferred that letting seniors drive on their own might not be a good idea. Good thing there are now subscriptions for rides for seniors that can safely get them to their destinations. Transportation services for older adults can be good options to maintain a healthy society for seniors and ensure security when running errands.
Highlights of this Post
When Should seniors stop driving?
Since most seniors usually have issues with their vision, they need about 10 times as much light as a 19- year-old driver would need in order to drive at night. When it comes to glare, a person who is 55 years usually takes longer to recover than a driver who is 16 years old. Also, senior drivers usually take a long to distinguish the flash of brakes as opposed to young drivers. Due to these reasons, it is important that they seek transportation services in order to avoid accidents and inconveniences in the future. Although there are some seniors who prefer to drive themselves to various destinations, it is advisable that they stop being driven due to a number of reasons. This is because some seniors are too visually impaired to continue driving. Remember that your vision plays a key role when one is driving. To put it into perspective, it provides about 85% of the information one needs so as to drive safely.
Transportation Cost payment assistance for seniors
The cost of transportation options for elderly persons who can no longer drive themselves ranges significantly. Public Paratransit Services (special transportation services intended for individuals who are elderly or disabled) cost approximately twice as much as public transportation does for the same route. For example, if a city charges two dollars for bus fare, the Paratransit Service is legally only permitted to charge four dollars. Some Volunteer Driver programs may charge five to ten dollars per ride, while others may provide rides free of charge. Private services are considerably more expensive, costing as much as twenty to forty dollars per trip. Finally, there are others who offer these services free of charge. Therefore, such service providers can help you save a few bucks. However, if you choose private transport services, be ready to dig deeper into your pocket.
This is a common question around which there is considerable confusion that is do Medicaid will pay for the transportation?. Unfortunately, the short answer is, no, Medicare will not pay. The confusion stems from the fact that Medicare will pay for emergency medically needed transportation services, such as an ambulance. However, Medicare, even if the rider is going to a medical appointment, will not cover non-medical or non-emergency transportation. Medicaid, on the other hand, does offer several forms of transportation assistance for seniors or disabled persons. Before further explanation, it is important to remember that Medicaid is not a single program. Rather, it is a collection of different programs. Furthermore, the benefits of these programs differ in every state. Some Medicaid programs, through Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, will provide funding for transportation, usually, but not always, with the stipulation that the purpose of the ride is for a medical appointment with a doctor or physical therapist. Another way Medicaid provides assistance is by paying for a Personal Care Attendant (PCA), who will be able to accompany the elderly or disabled individual on Paratransit Services. Regular Medicaid will also cover non-emergency, medical transportation.
Eligibility for free transportation for Seniors and disabled
The eligibility requirements for assisted transportation depend almost entirely on the type of assisted transportation service, which is discussed in greater depth below under “Types of Programs.” Briefly, one eligibility requirement is based on one’s level of disability. However, it is possible for one’s disability to be too great for some forms of transportation assistance or for one’s disability to be too minimal for others. To clarify, some private ride services might not be able to accommodate an individual who is wheelchair-bound. While other types of services may require a formal designation of “disabled” by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to qualify. Thus, elderly persons who are feeble simply as a result of aging may not qualify.
The purpose of travel is another factor used by services to determine if one is eligible for assistance. Some programs only offer rides for non-emergency, medical appointments. Others place no such requirements on the rider, enabling the individual to use the service for shopping, errands, or simply for social visits.
Age is almost never a factor in determining eligibility. Surprisingly, very few ride services use financial criteria as a qualifying factor for eligibility.
With the exception of a few private ride services, nearly all transportation options require a rider to have pre-registered with the service before scheduling a ride
What Are The Different Transportation Options For The Elderly?
Private transportation generally means the process of the conveyance of passengers rendered by service providers. In other terms, it is the transportation of passengers, as provided by a company through scheduled routes on a fare-paying or subscription basis. Private transportation for seniors then is a type of private transportation service that only caters to the elderly. The following are among the popular types of private transportation for senior citizens:
Volunteer driver program
As implied by the name, these are programs in which volunteers assist seniors and disabled persons by providing door-to-door transportation. These are regional, independent programs. Thus, it is difficult to generalize about the specific details. Also worth noting is that not all areas of the country offer these programs. Typically, volunteer drivers use their own vehicles and are unable to transport motorized wheelchairs. However, because there is usually only a single passenger, drivers are able to help their riders from their homes and through the doors at their destinations. Riders must register with the program in advance of scheduling a ride. Once signed up with the program as a rider, specific rides will need to be scheduled, typically a day or two in advance. Usually, these programs do not limit the reasons for which passengers can request a ride. For example, rides can be for social outings or medical appointments. However, emergency medical transportation is not an option. The cost of Volunteer Driver programs is free or very inexpensive.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services
These types of services transport the elderly to their medical appointments, or when the clients want to purchase their medications. It is named “non-emergency” because it is intended for medical-related errands that do not necessarily require urgency.
Paratransit Services
These are well-known transportation services for the elderly and disabled. It can accommodate wheelchairs. Thus, it is able to cater to elderly people and people with disabilities who need the support of amenities such as wheelchairs. Because of this rare service, providers might charge twice as much as the normal rates of transportation services.The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) states that any city that provides public transportation must also provide a system that accommodates persons with disabilities covering, more or less, the same geographic area. These secondary systems are referred to as Paratransit Services. And they typically utilize wheelchair-accessible vans instead of buses. It is important to note that drivers are not able to assist riders from their houses; the service is “curb-to-curb”. This means riders must be able to get from their homes to the curb for pick-up and from drop-off to their destinations. It is common for non-disabled persons to go with the disabled person on Paratransit to assist in getting from their homes to the “bus-stop”. However, drivers can assist riders in getting in and out of the vehicle. Transportation escorts are often called Personal Care Attendants (PCA). And Medicaid may pay for their assistance.There are other pros and cons to Paratransit services. On the plus side, they are inexpensive. By law, they can charge only twice what the public transportation system charges for the same route. For example, if a cross-town subway ride costs $3, the Paratransit service can charge a maximum of $6. Riders must register with the system in advance and be determined eligible, so paperwork and wait-time is a reality. Not all seniors will qualify, but most elderly persons who are unable to drive a vehicle will qualify. Eligibility is based more on the candidate’s inability to use public transit, than a formal designation of “disabled” by the Social Security Administration.On the whole, Paratransit Services are a good option for a certain segment of seniors. However, the logistics can be challenging. An elderly individual may require the assistance of an adult child or other loved one to overcome the initial obstacles.Detailed information about Paratransit rules are available here. However, finding Paratransit services in your area is not as easy as using a single, nationwide database of Paratransit Services. However, one’s local transit authority or local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) will be able to assist callers in finding their local Paratransit Service. To enroll for the services there are some ways :
- Request their certification form and complete it. To request, call them on the numbers provided on the website or select this link dart.org/paratransit/paratransiteligibilityapplication2015.pdf
- Get your written disability verification and attach to the form. org/paratransit/physicianverificationform2015.pdf
- Submit both of them to paratransit services.
- Note that you can also fill the form online and submit it as an email attachment.
- You will get an in person eligible assessment from transit officials.
- Wait for approval and benefit from the program
The Independent Transportation Network America(ITNA)
The Independent Transportation Network America is a non-profit organization that provides rides for seniors 60 years of age and older (some areas set the minimum age at 65), as well as persons who are visually impaired. Via ITN, which charges an annual membership fee of approximately $50-$60 for a single rider and $60 to $80 for a family, riders are matched with paid and volunteer drivers. Rides are available, with no limitations as to the need for the ride, around the clock in private vehicles. Drivers provide “door to door” service, assistance with bags, and limited assistance with getting in and out of the vehicle. Riders do not have to worry about making cash transactions, as the cost of rides is automatically deducted from the rider’s “personal transportation account”. The cost per ride is approximately half the cost of a taxi, and riders can save money by booking rides in advance, as well as sharing rides. At the time of this writing, ITN has 13 affiliate non-profit organizations providing transportation in 12 states.
Taxi services
If you live in a rural or a suburban area, the above-mentioned transport option is ideal for you. Unlike the mass transit solution you find in most places, this one is more convenient as you can travel alone in a personal car. In case you need taxi services, you just need to contact the driver and direct him or her to your residence. After that, the driver will drive you to your desired destination. Besides this, the option mentioned above is more convenient as your items can be carried seamlessly from one location to another. In case you have a cane or a walker, it will be carried too and thus offer the much needed convenience. However, you have to brace yourself for the cost that comes with these services. Since they are more convenient than other means of transport, you have to dig deeper into your pocket.
Private ride services or public transport
Often called Door-Through-Door services, Door-to-Door, or abbreviated D2D, these are private companies that charge riders for their assistance. These services are not unlike taxis, but are specifically designed for elderly and disabled persons. Thus, assistance is provided getting from one’s residence to the vehicle, getting in and out of the vehicle, and getting from the vehicle through the door at the rider’s destination. Besides the above-mentioned transport service, seniors can now use public transport and still get to their desired destination more conveniently. In fact, public transport has proved to be a cost-effective way of traveling from one city to another. When it comes to public transport, most people usually prefer metro and bus routes. Besides low fares, this transport option is very reliable when it comes to these routes. However, you have to reside near the city route for you to enjoy this service conveniently. Otherwise, you have to walk to your nearest bus stop for you to board a bus and travel to your desired destination. And some vehicles, which are referred to as “cabulances” , are even designed for persons with higher medical needs. Private ride service companies offer greater flexibility, often allowing for same day or on-demand scheduling. But this flexibility comes at an additional cost. One can expect charges of twenty to forty dollars per ride. Private ride services for seniors tend to be limited to urban and suburban areas. SilverRide and Gogograndparent are two of the more widely known private ride transportation services
In-Home Care Services
Home care service centers are not only limited to indoor caretaking and household assistance of their clients. They can also assist elderly and disabled clients in doing errands and transportation. There is added security and safety if their personal caretakers are also with them in doing outside activities such as doing the groceries, purchasing their medications, or visiting their family. Some home care providers form partnerships with private transport companies and assist their clients when commuting. Some have their own transport services integrated into the customer services that they offer. At My All American Home Care, clients are guaranteed with safety and a sense of free will and independence while traveling, from the top-quality services and assistance we offer, and the unparalleled performance of our team. My All American Care offers a wide variety of home care services that provide a wholesome and holistic experience for our elderly and disabled loved ones. Our services include, but not limited to, the following:
- Assistance with daily activities
- Transportation
- Physician and nursing care
- Counseling
- Speech/occupational/physical therapy
- Personal support
- And many more
Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
As we speak, Medicaid usually offers non-emergency transportation to seniors out there. However, beneficiaries of these services must qualify for NEMT For you to become eligible for this service, you should fulfill the following:
- Be eligible for Medicaid
- You should not possess a working vehicle at home
- You should not have a valid driver’s license
- The senior should be unable to travel on his own.
Supplemental Transportation Programs for Seniors (STPs)
As we speak, there are some organizations that operate Supplemental Transportation Programs for Seniors in both metro and urban areas. Unlike other transport services, these ones are known for being affordable and community-based. Besides this, these programs are funded independently through grants and donations. However, this transport option is normally organized by religious institutions and even community groups and comes with a number of benefits.
Veyo for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Veyo is a full-service senior transport company that specializes in NEMT. Its headquarters are based in San Diego, CA, but it also operates in its regional offices across states. Being an NEMT, it mainly caters to customers who need to attend medical appointments and errands but lacks the transportation means to do so.Its branding rests on its innovative technologies to modernize medical transportation. It features a flexible fleet model that widens its supply system, making it adaptive to varying modes across geographies, unlike in fixed fleet models. It also employs cloud-based technology and data research to improve its on-time performance and service visibility.
Lyft
The above mentioned transport option is very popular among most travelers with several benefits. You will note that they offer on-demand ride services to all their clients. Anytime you need transportation services, you just need to request a ride, and a car will be at your doorstep within minutes. If the senior is very conversant with smartphone apps, he or she can request a ride, and a car will come to his or her location promptly. However, this service is ideal for seniors who can get in and out of the car hassle-free. Compared to taxi services, this one is more budget-friendly. All that a senior needs to join is; download the Lyft app on his or her device and then use the app to book a ride. When it comes to payment, the senior will be able to pay automatically using his or her credit card at the end of the ride.
Ride in sight
While not a program in and of itself, Rides in Sight is a nationwide database of transportation options. Created by ITNAmerica, assistance in finding transportation for seniors and visually challenged persons is provided. Specific details are taken into consideration, such as the requirement of a wheelchair accessible vehicle, how far one is traveling, visual issues, and one’s age, when making transportation referrals.
Considerations for Private Transportation Providers
Before choosing a service provider, always keep in mind the five As:
Availability – It is better to choose a transport service with a flexible service schedule that can attend to your needs whenever, wherever.
Accessibility – Choose transport services that you can easily reach out to, and have sites or offices near your residence. This is an important consideration when factoring in emergency situations.
Acceptability – Hail services with a credible and good reputation. This can indicate the cleanliness of their vehicles or amenities, and the overall quality of their services.
Affordability – Choose services that you can afford in the long-run. Also, look into the possible insurance plans that can already cover your transportation costs.
Adaptability – Not all your needs are already predetermined. Go for an innovative and visionary service provider who can go the extra mile just to ensure meeting some of your special, and even unprecedented needs.
Conclusion
As stated above, services are not restrained to indoor home and health care services and assistance. The clients are being assisted in mobility and transportation independence with integrated transportation services. Extra security is guaranteed because the elderly clients are already supported and assisted by their personal home takers even while commuting and outside of their residences whether they want to seek a medical appointment or want to attend an event, there are many reasons why seniors might have to travel now and then. Since driving might be a challenge to many, there is a need for them to consider the above-mentioned transportation options. The good news is that they are budget friendly and are even ideal for people with disabilities. Consider them today, and you will travel more conveniently. .If you make an appointment now, you can be issued a quality transport service convoy and work on your transportation schedule right away. these programs are genuine efforts to cater to the overall wellbeing and welfare of our clients to the diversified and encompassing programs and services.
Frequently asked questions
How much is this transportation cost to the elders?
The cost for the transportation depends on which mode or on which program you are taking appointment for. It can cost up to 10$.
Does Insurance offer transport services to seniors?
Well, this depends on your insurance provider. If your health coverage covers transport expenses for medical purposes, then your insurance company of choice will offer these services to you. To put it into perspective, a van or a car, or any other vehicle will pick you up at your home and take you to your desired destination. As Medicaid doesn’t provide transportation cost.
How can I become eligible for assisted transportation?
You will realize that the eligibility requirements for this kind of transportation service will depend on a particular type of assisted transportation service. This is because some transportation services are ideal for blind people and others if they are handicapped.
When is the time to consider private transportation?
Perhaps you still feel hesitant whether or not you really need a private transport provider to assist you or your elderly loved one. Basically you ned private transportation when you are at your physical frailty, weakening of your senses, disabilities, or other signs of impairment.
What are the questions you should ask assessing private transportation?
you should be asking questions about the cost of the ride, if they do door-to-door services or not, if they help the disabled peoples or not, do they get and discounts or not. These are the common questions that you should be asking while assessing the transportation.
