I’m not really a “caregiver” anymore as my wonderful husband passed away about 18 months ago. But I did care for him for almost 2 years. He had a bad fall straight backward on the sidewalk and got blood on his brain. Now I am living alone and “caregiving” myself. I just got out of the hospital and was diagnosed with heart failure. My daughter is coming in from Oregon today to help me out for a week. I am still driving (78 years old) but am considering giving up my car. I am wondering if there are any transportation resources for the older people who need to go to drs appts, etc., but don’t drive. It’s very expensive to keep a car for 2-3 trips a week. What do other Seniors due for transportation?
Many older adults combine these community services with help from family, friends, neighbors, or ride-sharing services when needed. Before giving up your car, compare the yearly costs of insurance, maintenance, registration, fuel, and repairs with the cost of using transportation services a few times each week. For many seniors, it turns out to be more affordable and far less stressful.
Since you've recently been diagnosed with heart failure, it's also worth discussing driving safety with your healthcare provider while you recover. I hope your daughter can help you explore the transportation resources available in your community. You're certainly not the only person facing this transition, and many seniors continue to live independently without owning a car by using a combination of local transportation options and support from others.
Set up an uber account. It is easy.
Share a ride with a neighbor. Pay for the gas.
There are Cabs/Taxi in some areas
Some communities have Public transportation and some will offer Door to Door pick up. Rides generally have to be arranged in advance
My community has a very active Senior Volunteer program that can provide transportation. Again rides have to be arranged in advance so they can get a Volunteer.
Contact your local Senior Center and ask what programs are available in your area.
And lastly one more thought.
Have you thought about moving to a CCC? That is a Continuing Care Community.
You can live Independently if you need no help. If you begin to require help the move to Assisted Living is available in the same community. If you need more care there is generally Memory Care and Skilled Nursing as well.
These Communities are not inexpensive but there is peace of mind knowing that the care is there if you need it. And they will provide transportation to doctor visits, stores and they often have trips and outing they arrange.
Another advantage to these, that might make them less expensive than they seem right away is you will not have many of the bills you now have. No gas bill, electric bill, no property taxes, no garbage bill, water bill. And in most cases all your meals are included so no food expenses unless you chose to make some meals yourself.
I encourage you to think into your future: heart failure is a health issue that can slowly create limits in your life, more limits than just basic aging. If you live in a house or somewhere far from relatives and resources it means doing anything will start to become more difficult (and maybe expensive). Many seniors plan for physical problems but hardly any are realistic about losing their cognitive abilities. You need to have a plan or a solution in place before this ever happens.
Do you have a durable PoA? If so, is it this daughter? She lives out of state. It will be a burden for her to try to help you manage your life from afar. Maybe consider a continuum of care community (starts at IL and offers AL, MC, LTC and hospice). Many good ones have a bus service to take residents to stores or people there to help you order Uber or Lyft; they have activities, classes and events so you can have healthy social interactions; they are 1-level living; etc. If you don't have an assigned PoA you really need to figure out this very important legal and medical protection for yourself. Moving near your PoA is a wise strategy.
It's digital world now, so unless you know how to navigate a smart phone, getting rides will become more and more challenging. Usually counties have ride services but you often have to financially qualify to use them.
Also your daughter won't have to worry about you living at home alone anymore, which will give her great peace of mind.
Might be a good idea that the 2 of you check out some places while your daughters here for the week.
Are there Uber and similar services in your area? A regular cab company might be a possibility,too.