Losing the ability to drive is a devastating part of aging. By preparing in advance for alternative transportation, independence can be maintained. 

Alternative transportation is often provided as a resource to the elderly in many communities. Contact your local eldercare association to determine what is available in your area.

If public transportation is not available or convenient, consider a service such as Uber or Lyft. These are services that you can access using applications available on a smart phone that allow you to use a private driver at almost any time.

How do you use a service such as Uber?

• Download the app and sign up for the service. You will need to provide a credit card but it is only charged when you actually use the service.
• The cost is often less than a taxi, and the app provides an estimate of the cost when you put the address you are going to into your request for a ride.
• Through a map on the app, the driver comes directly to where you are located. You will see a car icon on the map showing where the driver is located and their estimated time of arrival.
• While in the car, you will see the map of where you are going.
• Once the ride is over, you will be asked to rate the driver and okay the charge.

There are a number of tips to ensure your safety.

• When your ride is accepted, a small picture of the driver and type of car will be shown in your app. Make sure the driver and car picking you up match the description.
• Wait inside for your driver if you are in an unsafe area. The app will notify you when the driver has arrived and they will call your phone if they do not see you.
• Set up emergency contacts in the app. This will allow family to follow your progress when you are taking a ride with the service.

It is good to practice using the service long before you need it. Familiarity creates comfort, and by using the service in advance, you will be more likely to use it when the time comes that you can no longer drive.