4 Ways to Transport a Senior to the Doctor or Other Appointments
Having lived in my apartment for nearly six years, I was quite close to my elderly neighbor Lisa. We had bonded over our love for baking and would often bake together. She was in her 70s and fiercely independent. She had no children and had sort of taken me in as a grandniece. She would often ask me to help her with her phone and using the internet; while I would ask her for help with my sewing projects.
One evening Lisa suddenly came in looking flustered and asked me to help her out. Lisa told me she had nearly crashed into another car earlier that day because she was not able to see clearly. She was quite shaken from the incident and had set up an appointment to get her eyes checked but only now realized she had no way of getting to the clinic. Living in the suburbs meant taking a car was the easiest option. But Lisa was not was no longer comfortable driving. She wanted me to help her find transportation to the clinic. More importantly, Lisa wanted to have a safe way to get to and from one of her closest friend’s daughter’s baby shower which was the day after her eye assessment.
I told Lisa not to worry, I would find her a convenient mode of transportation. Lisa’s eye assessment was early enough I could drop her off to her appointment before work but she would have no way of getting back home. After some searching online I found Tuktu’s drivers to appointments. It took me only a few minutes to download the app and sign in. With a few details about the appointment I was easily able to see a number of options for drivers. Lisa and I looked at the profiles and information of available drivers and I made a booking through Tuktu’s app. Since we knew who the driver was from their Tuktu profile, they could sign Lisa out in case basic eye dilation was done during the appointment. We also booked the same driver to drive Lisa to and from the baby shower which would take place in a few days.
With Tuktu’s driver by her side, Lisa was able to relax knowing they had good reviews and would help her out after she finished her appointment. We were able to book the same driver for both days which made Lisa comfortable because she would already be acquainted with the driver.
We all know independent seniors like Lisa who have given up driving but need a safe way to travel. Here are several options that independent seniors who no longer drive can use for transportation.
1. Specialized senior transportation service: Tuktu
The most convenient mode of transportation for seniors is to use a specialized senior transportation service. Service providers are trained in making sure seniors are comfortable and safe during the journey. Additionally the same driver can be booked for multiple trips and appointments. For seniors with mobility issues, Tuktu’s mobility assistants can assist from door-to-clinic, help storing mobility aids and help navigate different locations. Tuktu’s travel companions are like family and friends who help the senior every step of the way. Additionally Tuktu’s services are on-demand and have no set contracts or minimum hours.
2. Cab/Uber/Lyft
Calling an on demand rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is a great flexible option for transportation. It is on demand which means there is no need to stick to a regular schedule. The main drawback is the changing prices which depend on a number of factors. Surge pricing is often applied when there is high demand. Additionally, Ubers and Lyft drivers change every time, meaning the quality of driving can differ each time.
Calling a cab service is similar to calling an Uber or Lyft but it is an easier option for seniors who don’t use or own smartphones. An additional advantage cabs have over rideshares is that they do not apply surge pricing and only charge for the distance traveled. Like ride shares, drivers differ every time.
Unlike Tuktu’s travel companions, these services leave you at the doorstep and do not help seniors with navigating unfamiliar places or getting safely back home.
3. Public transportation
Public transportation is an easy and convenient way to get appointments, especially in well-connected cities like Vancouver and Toronto. It is an environmentally friendly option but requires some planning especially if one needs to transfer buses or trains. Using public transportation may also be difficult for those with mobility issues.
4. Family and friends
Having family and friends drive seniors to their appointments is the cheapest option. It is also convenient as they will know if the senior has any special needs or conditions. However, as appointments can be during any time of the day and can require waiting, it may not always be possible for family members or friends to take time off work or other responsibilities.
As our loved ones and community members age, it is important to plan for the future. While driving can provide independence, personal health and the safety of those around us come first. As vision, hearing and mobility increase and show up with age, it is important to be prepared to change usual modes of transport. Using on-demand services specialized to seniors’ needs like Tuktu ensure health and safety of our senior loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Searching online or talking to local seniors’ communities can help find transportation services designed for seniors. Tuktu provides travel companionship services which are specifically designed with the needs of seniors in mind.
Using reliable and well-known services ensures seniors are safe during travel. At Tuktu, all providers have to complete background checks and social references. Additionally, every provider carries insurance to cover any damage.
The best way quality and reliability of any transportation service can be evaluated is by checking reviews left by others who have used the service. With Tuktu’s app, you can check the reviews left for individual drivers before you book the service.
Preparing a senior for a smooth transportation experience for short trips, such as medical appointments involves steps to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency:
- Confirm Details: Verify the appointment time, location, and any specific instructions from the medical provider. Ensure you have a clear understanding of where to go and what to expect.
- Pack Essentials: Bring necessary items such as medications, medical documents, and any comfort items the senior may need. A small bag with water, snacks, and a travel blanket can be helpful.
- Check Accessibility: Make sure the transportation option accommodates mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. Arrange for assistance if needed, such as help with getting in and out of the vehicle. Good for you, Tuktu takes care of all that and more!
- Communicate Plans: Explain the trip details to your loved one to reduce anxiety and ensure they are comfortable with the process. Let them know what will happen during the trip and at the appointment.
- Prepare for Delays: Factor in extra time for potential delays and plan for any breaks if the trip might be longer than expected. Having a flexible schedule can help reduce stress.
- Emergency Information: Make sure you provide emergency contact details to Tuktu and add it to your loved one’s profile for the provider to have access to if needed.